SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER : This evening, 3.58 ; to morrow morning. 4 28 SUN SET : This evening, 5.50 ; SUN RISE: to morrow mornin*. 6 21 MOON'S AGE : New Moon. 6th April, 6.16 p.m.

ARRIVALS

Star of «he South, s.s, from Levuka Cl.drf scivioier irom Wn garei Columbia, schooner, fromMdhia, Hawkea Bay

DEPARTURES.

Emu. anxi'l ir-'-screw barqufntine, for Russell Aci.'ii, ocliooner. for .- apier via Meicury B*y Gol-eu s!e, schooner, fo* Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Newcastle—Derwent, brig, eirly For ihe Senth—Ladybi d, e.s, 3rd -ipril For •'-an F^anci?co-E.M. ss Cyphrenes (English Mail), io m proximo. » For London- Eapido, barque, early; W. W. Smith, ship, early For Duneiin—Ma?gis Paterson, schooner, early For i-fokiaiga — Qieen. schooner, early For Kaipa-a—Fiery Cross, schooner, to-morrow (from Onehunga)

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Agnes, schooner, from Oamaru, early Eobina Dnnlop, ship, from London Lanarkshire, ship, from London Marathon, barque, from W ew York via Sydney ■vision, brig, from the Islands W. W. Smith, ship, from Lyttelton, early

IMPORTS.

Per Columbia from Mahia : 36 casks oil, 16 sacks maize, Henderson and Macfarlane. —Master, agent.

Per Star of the South, from Levuka—lo cases schnapps, 1 cask spirits (wine). L. D Nathau & Co ; 2 hags corn, MeArthur ; 92 do maize, B Tonks &Co ; 93 do do, order ; 100 mats sugar, B. T >nbs & Co : 31 do no, order; 1 case, Ah Kew; 6000 oranges, 50 bunches bananas, 252 bags copra, order ; 4 barrels oil, 1 basr feucnalas J. S. Macfarlane For Wellington—l parcel, Good Templars.—A.S.P. Company, agents.

Messrs Niccol and Son have been for some time engaged upon a fine little screw steam launch, which is now nearly finished. She is of a good length, being 60 feet on the keel, and 65 feet over all. Her breadth of beam is 9 feet 6 inches, and her depth 6 feet 4 inches. When laden, she will draw about 4 feet aft, and a little over 2 feet for'ard. She is to be fitted with powerful engines, driving a four-bladed brass screw, which is expected to propel her at a great rate of speed. In the disposal of her space, an arrangement very similar to that on board the little Eclipse, has been adhered to. There is a commodious open area aft, with seats all round calculated to provide room for twenty passengers. For'ard of this is the engine-room. Then we have the little cabin a regular little snuggery amidships 12 ft. long and 6ft. 4in. high, which is to be fitted with comfortable bunks. On the roof of this will be a little promenade deck with railing. About 20ft. of the foremost part is taken up by the hold, where ten or twelve tons of cargo can be stowed. The little vessel is being built with every care as to strength and serviceableness, and shoald prove very handy for harbour and coast work. We understand that she is for sale.

m The schooner Columbia arrived to-day from Mahia, near Napier. Captain Conway reports leaving on Monday. Strong southerly ■winds to the East Cape; thence, light variable winds into port. Passed the ship India on Tuesday, at 10a.m., about ten miles north of the Cape.

The whaling barque Albion, the of the Auckland Whaling Company, was sold at auction to day by Mr 'J. W Binney. fhe was purchased by Captain Daldy, for the A S.P. Company, for £1000. The biddipg began at £750. Thepurchhase includes sail", gear, casks, and all belongings. The barque Rapido left Adelaide on the Bth ult for Sydney with a cargo of grain. At Sydney she was to load coals for this port, where she may be expected abo'. t the end of the month. Her portion of New York cargo for Auckland has already arrived by the Eudoxie A.dolph<ne.

T.ess «t4.rof the South arrived at an early hour this men ing from Levuka. Captain Farqnhar reports leaving on the 25th ult, at 11 am, and experiencing ight head winds throughout theppssage. Passer gers: Saloon—Mrs W. Ledingham and two children, Miss Lambert, Messr3 Howard, Philpot. and W Kopsen. Meerage—Messrs Plummer and Ward. Messrs Arnold, Hines an d Co have received advice from Kew York jf the chartering of the barque Marathon, 377 tons, to load for Melbourne aud Sydney. After discharging, the Marathon will come on to Auckland to load back to New York.

The ss Ladybird Is appointed to leave the Bluff anchorage at 4 o'clock to-morrow afternoon. Intending passengers must not be later thstn the 2 o'clock train. The Morning Light cutter cleared for Port Charles to-d*y with 2 tons potat jes and 6 casks beef. The ketch Fanny Kelly is ready to sail for Mercury Bay and East Coast with a quantity of stores lor Mews Preece, Howard & Co.

The schooner Gem is about to leave for Eussell in ballast, hhe declared at the Customs to-day. The schooner Fairy has cleared for the Bay of Islands in ballast

The schooner Onward briDgs 54 tons coal from Bussell.

It was Inadvertently stated in these columns a day or two ago thrt the barque i himes left for London about three veeks before the Countess of Kintore. "W« find on reference that the dates of departure were, Thames 17th October : Countess, 26th October. Tho Thames arrived in London, not Plymouth, the Bth February.

THE NEW PILOT SCHOONER.

The work upon the new pilot schooner being built by Mr T Mccol at the No th Shore having arrived at the decking stage, we are enabled to form a pretty good idea what kind of a ship we are going to hive It's at once apparent that the importanc of an extra strong frame in a vessel intended for such work haf been fully recogDised. She is certainly the strongest framed schooner it has fallen to our lot to examine. In tbe first place, all the wood has been most care fully selected, and none hut the best used. The frame is what is called a double one throughout, that is all her timbers are in duplicate from stem to stern ; they are also unusually close together, not above six inches inteivening between' each pair. But the chief seat "of strength is in the knees. These are also doubled—a precaution not often taken in such small vessels—the arm of each one being lodged in the bosom of the next. There are 64 knees all told, an exceedingly large number. They are of the finest poljutakawa The through bolts are all rf copper, and are of a slightly larger size than required according to the specifications; a circumstance which is explained by the fact there were none of the exact size to be procured at the time in town. The plank ing is ot.be *rt of kauri, and 2£ inches thick, of ample strength for so small % craft. In appearance the schooner is very taking to the eye.' To ,gain all the length possible she has been built with raking stem and stern post. Her entrance is rather fine without being too yacht-like for rough service. Her lines aft have evidently engaged a'l the .attention of the modeller. She has a pretty stern, something after the style of the Lurline, a schooner sha will not be unlike when finished, except th»t she will have far more power, jj She has a good rise of fi lor, with very straight sides from the keel to the bilge. Fore! and aft her lines are graceful, the greatest bre*dth of beam being placed well for'ard, tbe best position for imparting the greatest power. The waterways are now being laid The work is being proceeded with under the superintendency of Captain Knrgess, who prepared tbe specifications. The launch is likely to take place in about a month. when we shall have a further opportunity of speaking of her. i

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

P.jRT Chalmfrh, this day. The barquenline Falcon has been chartered to load wheat at' amaru for Melbourne".' " '

'} he schooner Isefcitia is half loaded, and is ex pected to sail fcr Auckland ou Monday next.

Napier, This day. The s.s. Southern Cross arrfved at 2 am' to day. Wanganui, This day. The s.s. St Kilda arrived at 6 30 p m. yesterday. MANfTKAU Heads, This Day. The gchoooner Jessie Henderson crossed the Bar this morning, outwards bound.

OHINEMURI.

[Per Star Carrier Pigeons.] Work in the Prospectors Ground. (Fom our Special Correspondent.) MACKAYTOWN. This day, 1 p.m. The prospectors are driving and are now on hard ground. They have decided as soon as the reef is reached, to send a parcel to the Th?mes. There is nothing new from the Waitekauri or Eotokohu. Measles are prevalent among the natives.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB.

At a special general meeting of the Auck land Bacing Club, held this afternoon, a re solution to authorise the committee to raise the prices charged to the public for admission to the race-course, was negatived by 8 against 3. The object of the proposal was to lessen the Club's debt. It seemed to be the general opinion that such a course would act in the opposite direction.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows . — For Thames, this day, at G. 30 p m, and to-morrow, at 9.30 a m For Coromandel. to-morrow, at 10 30 a m For Mahurangi, Matakana, Mangawai, Waipu, <£c, per Lady Bowen, to morrow at 10 a m Per s s Ladybird, to-morrow, as under :— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at a 11 30 am For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Austra lian Colonios, atlpm For United Kiugdom, via Suez and Southamp ton (fo- letters specially addres-d), utlpm For TJni'ed Kingdom, via Brindiii, and late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne, at 1.15 pm For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 11 a m For Napier, Wellington, and Southern provinces, __ per Star of the South, to-morrow, at 1 p m (Signed) S. B. Biss. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

WALLIS—On Thursday, April Ist, at Onehunga, the wife of E. M. Waliis of a son.

DEATH.

CUNNINGHAM—On April 1, at Dedwood, Editk Florence, infant daughter of J. Cunningham, Esq., R.M. Court, Auckland, aged 10 months.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 1875.

For the cauee that lacks ap.-istance, lor the wrong li.at lie,:- rei-ibUace, '•>! the future in ihe distance, Aid the stood that v/e can do.

More frequently than we would desire, we feel compelled to call in question the doings of our contemporary the Cross. It is a pleasure, therefore, to us when we are afforded an opportunity of commending. This pleasure is now permitted to us, and we are much pleased to see our contem porary proceeding every day to attacking, and even ridiculing the utterances of Sir George Grey. Had this course been taken by our contemporary before the elections, and when such opposition might have been expected to have a little effect in disturbing his unanimous election, we might have been offended. But our contemporary very con siderately was silent, and even mildly enthu siastic, in endorsing the unmistakable popu lar choice. And now, when no evil can be done, it is pardonable in our contemporary if he makes a feint of fulfilling the object of existence, and shows to Mr Vogel and the rest that he is indeed very indignant at what has occurred. In these circumstances it seems unworthy work to take exception to his arguments, and it is not by way of cen sure that we take note of them. But passing over the rest, we feel inclined to gently criticise some of his criticisms in yesterday's issue. Our contemporary complains of a certain Delphic style in Sir George's recent speeches, and " that there is too much of mere generalities about a good deal he tells *he people." We ourselves thought that the omission of any reference to the " Slaughter house" and similar specialities was a defect in the candidate's exposition of the policy of a statesman and of a candidate for the office of Chief Magistrate of this great province, but we trusted that settling down uo work might enable him to descend from generalities to particulars. But with some inconsistency, our contemporary complains that in dealing with the question of the day the candidate did confine himself to the particular terms of the threa famous resolutions instead of the general question of total abolition, which our contemporary states to be the " prime ques tion which animated most minds." To this latter assertion we beg to take exception, and think that the question which has moved our .people to. the deepest indignation was that of the gross and insulting wrong attempted by Mr Vogel in proposing to deprive us of our local Govern ment, while perpetuating and strengthening Provincial institutions in the South; and that the spirit manifested by the member for City East in proposing to fix by statute for ever the seat of Government at Wellington, and confining to the South their annual millions of revenue from the public lands, was that which roused the popular wrath before which Mr Vogel quailed at the Choral Hall and fled from the platform. By the side of these matters, the question of total abolition is we think in Auckland but a secondary question at present and in the pa3t, whatever it may be in the future. The bunkum talked about a Wellington adminis tration being per se more economical than a local administration is not accepted by any one, and the mere change, if not accom panied by guarantees that the position would be pecuniarily bettered, as for example, by a common share in all the revenues, is a matter that evokes very little enthusiasm in this place ; and we should like to know where in Auckland, outside of. the hangers-on to Mr

Vogel, will there be discovered sympathy with the statement that " The question of the apportionment of the land revenue and the compact of 1856, is one of smaller moment than many are disposed to think." Our contemporary next proceeds to the ques tion of the seat of Government and after reasoning that this is not a " matter of non sense" insinuates that if Sir George had been penetrated by such keen feelings of tender nees for Auckland eleven years ago, " then the seat of Government might never have been removed at all." We had thought that this insinuation, the offspring of utter ignor ance of the position and power of a Governor with responsible ministers, had been laid to rest for ever, and especially as Mr Robert Graham, than whom none knows better, had testified to the "keen feelings" and repug nance with which the Governor deserted by an Auckland ministry was compelled to assent. But it afforded the opportunity for putting forward "the present Premier" as " one who opposed" the removal; and so it is well. Our contemporary affects surprise at Sir George's statement of having long ago cherished the idea of Auckland being made a separate colony as a der nier resort. The writer of course was acquainted with all that passed in the gubernatorial mind when yielding to necessity, so that, of course, he is in a better position than Sir George to speak on the subject. But despite his denunciation of this "retrograde" idea of separation, which has made Victoria and Queensland what they are, we think that if the spoliation and injustice which have paralysed Auckland as at present, and have made her be insulted as a pauper, and which have tempted to the proposal of her utter annihilation as a pro vince and subjection to Southern rule, were to continue for a little longer, there are few in the province save the poltroons and syco phants who live on Ministerial chbppings, who would not arise and demand such indepen dence, constitutionally, if practicable ; if not, —perhaps otherwise. Miserable minions of the powers that be, to whom to bask in the smiles of the great is very heaven on earth, have ever been accustomed to smile the sickly smile of incredulity at ideas of popular independence. But we believe there is a spirit in Auckland that if awakened would compass the dernier resort alluded to by his Honor the Superin tendent. Our contemporary lastly twits Sir George on having been tlie central figure in the miniature parliamentary pageants, which he now ridicules; intentionally of course ignoring tbe exigencies of the position of a Governor, who in the language of the French King might be described as being himself a "ceremony." But when our contemporary, alluding, lo tbe ciim baldness of the proceed ings of "the nine little legislatures," speaks of "all their paraphernalia of mock imita tion which have cost so much money," wc feel that he must bo wickedly intending to provoke comparison of the glories of tbe Court at the seat of Government. However, our contemporary means well, and he has done well. And when Mr Vogel returns we shall point to these articles, and wc shall say that he fought like a lion against the return of Sir George Grey. We know it will be a fib ; but gull importe ? Wo are sure the Recording Angel will drop a tear and blot it out for ever.

A Provincial Government Gazelle published this afternoon contained a proclamation noti fying that tbe season for pheasant shooting would be open during the months of May, June, and July. Licenses are now ready for issue at the Provincial Government offices. No shilling licenses will be issued, but persons may shoot game on their own land. The notice further forbids the sale of any dead hen pheasants, under a penalty of £20.

In the letter of our special correspondent at Te Kuiti published yesterday it was stated th;.t alluvial gold has been found on the downs near the King's chief settlement. In making this statement our correspondent no doubt relies simply on what he has been i old by natives resident in the district, and therefore, the statement cannot be accepted as unimpeachable. But it is well known that alluvial gold has repeatedly been found of as existing in the large and broken country be yond the confiscated boundary, now closed against Europeans. A year or two ago it was positively stated that the chief Rewi had re ceived a bag of gold from the interior. The locality then indicated was Tuhua, which lies South of Te Kuiti. Other testimony is in favour of the existence of gold in the dis trict, and it may be that the pressure brought to bear by a larger mining population will in the end (as in the case of Ohinemuri) be the means of expediting the progress of European civilization against Maoridom.

Mr It. H. Hughes, of Wellington-street, writes with reference to the price of bread— that he is selling best bread baked by Thomas Teasdale at 3Jd per loaf. These sort of intimations should come in the form of advertisements, and if those who are offering a good and cheap article to the public would only let people know about it in the recognised way they Would no doubt reap the fruits of their enterprise.

We bave to.day received the fo'lowing : — " Editor Evening Stak : Sir,—Please give the enclosed £1 to Widow Holtham and oblige the girer, W. L. L."

The audience at the Prince of Wales Theatre lrst evening was delighted with the performance of "Janet Pride," a drama of lively interest, and which was fully appre ciated. The several parts were admirably sustained by the performers with that precision and elocutionary truth which have won for this company a name. The comedy of "Masks and Faces," by Mr Tom Taylor, with Mrs Darrell as Peg Woffington, and Mr Darrell as Triplet, will be brought forward to-night, with suitable scenic illus trations by Mr Thornton. "Masks and Faces " for a Jong time was a favorite with the London public, and will not fail in giving satisfaction and pleasure to the public of Auckland.

I The- Star of Newton Lodge, 1.0. G.T., held an open meeting last night at the Newton Hall. The hall was crowded to excess, and numbers were unable to gain admission. An excellent entertainment was given. The Good Templar Band was pre sent, and contributed greatly by their excel lent playing to the harmony of the evening. Bro. Redfern presided at the harmonium with his usual skill. The songs, speeches, and recitations were delivered with more than usual ability. A song by Sister Woods ("Kiss me, and I'll go to sleep ") was beau tifully sung, and rapturously encored. Bros. Moulden and Srickley made speeches very much to the purpose, and a comic song by Bro. Salt sent the audience into roars of laughter. Where all was so good it would exceed our limits to particularize. Bro. McGregor, W.0.T., occupied the chair, and delivered a telling address. An extensive programme was gone through, and the meet ing closed at ten o'clock, all apparently well satisfied with their evening's amusement.

The April number of the New Zealand Presbyterian Church News is before us with its usual quantity of interesting matter in connection with the Chucrh which it so ably represents. The Church's statistics and finances will be read with much interest by members of the Presbyterian body of Chris tians. The array of figures, as the writer of the article rightly states, prove that the Presbyterian Church is not standing still, but that it is, to a considerable extent, influencing the religious life of the colony. The article in question there fore, forms in miniature, a sketch of the tables of statistics and finances prepared by the convener of the Assembly's Committee on Statistics. The other papers in the present number includes "Note 3of a clerical tour in the North," in the form of a diary from the pen of the Eev. D. Bruce ; also, the " Identi fication of Biblical sites in Palestine," dealing chiefly with the discovery of a Canaanite and Levitical city, the "Debir" of the book of Joshua. The number contains moreover, local reports and notices of the progress of Presbyterianism in the provinces and in America. There are also several elegant extracts from standard publications, poetry, etc., which help to form one of the most readable numbers of this useful monthly serial, which may be perused with advantage by every denomination of Christians.

Our Ohinemuri cerrespondent gives the following account of an exciting tussel at Paeroa : —" Two Maoris of the female per suasion having imbibed not wisely but too well, endervored to settle a difference of opinion hy making desperate efforts to deprive one another of their back hair. The two damsels went at one another in gallant style proving beyond a doubt that there is a vast amount of vitality left yet in the Maori which only requires an opportunity to reveal itself. After rolling about in the dustjfor some time tho amazons were with great difficulty parted, and a constable making his appearance the combatants were dragged off to their whares by their respective com panions."

The court for the revision of the jury list was held at noon before his Worship the jVlayor, Dr Home, and Major Tisdall. Thero were no objectors.

The regular monthly meeting of the Ennis killen Loyal Orange Lodge will be held in the Young Men's Rooms, Wellesley-street, this evening at the usual hour.

Under the heading "What is Justice?" " A Truthful Observer" writes : Sir, —In your article last night upon the action taken against the Macks, you express great sur prise. Had you known the conduct of the Relieving Officer towards them for nearly three years past, everything would have appeared quite plain. It is about that time since the Relieving Officer made his first startling accusation against the Macks, and as the Superintendent (Mr. Gillies) was away he thought he had selected his time well, but he was mistaken. Mr Joseph May, in person with some members of the Pro vincial Council, investigated the matter tho roughly. Mack was examined before them and honourably acquitted. Indeed, the fact of their salary being raised £25 per annum at the next sitting of the Council is a fciillicient commentary. Nothing after wards transpired till a few months since when more bt.irtling accusations ware made. The inquiry this time was committed to a single individual, an unfortunate selection for the Relieving Officer, because nothing that was not strictly just would be permitted by the investigator, tie examined every witness that either side brought before him, and carefully refrained from giving any judgment himself, and sent all the evidence taken by him in to the Superintendent (Mr William son). This examination again resulted in a full acquital, though Mrs Mack was censured for abusing the Relieving Officer ; and who would nob under such provocation ! Now, this sort of enquiry, open and straightfor ward, could never accomplish the desired object. So mark the opportunity selected for this last enquiry, namely, the coufusion of officials in consequence of the decease of the late respected Superintendent. The arbitary official must have wished everything done speedily, so prompt, action through eveery stage of the proceedings was impera tive. No examination of witnesses whose testimony would have thrown light upon a great deal that appeared explicable ! No, there must be a bold stroke, a coup de grace now or never, the result you know, he was not mistaken in his men this time.—l am, &c, A Truthful Observer. .

William Hancock, mate of the brig Der went, has been missing since Monday eve ning, and fears are entertained for his safety. He is 35 years of age, and on Monday eve ning he went on sbore about five o'clock, and about eight o'clock he wa3 met by one of the foremast hands in Queen-street. He was then going in the direction of the wharf, and said be was going on board the Derwent, lying alongside the new tee. He was then in a state of intoxication, and walking with unsteady step ; hence it is conjectured that the unfortunate man might have fallen from the wharf into the water. Captain Bowers has been making inquiries respecting him, but without success. The missing man re cently came from London in the ship Wai tangi, and for a short time filled the position of second mate in the Hawaiian schooner Dauntless. Up to the time of our going to press no tidings of the man had been re ceived.

The partnership hitherto existing be tween Mr J. P. Dv Moulin and Mr J. F. Clarke, as mining agents has been dis solved, and the gentlemen have taken separate offices in the Insurance Buildings.

We notice that the second quarter of the High School, Symonds-street, will be com menced on Monday next. The High School is conducted by Mrs Shayle George, and it is but fair to state that this lady has been successful with her system of teaching.

The match commenced some three weeks ago between the North Shore and West End elevens is to be finished to-morrow afternoon in the Domain. The game stands at present —North Shore, Ist innings, 49 ; West End, Ist innings, 37. The West End did better in their second innings, * being 5 wickets down for 65, with Mason, not out, 11, Gleeson, Garland, Choyce, Hoskins and Caldwell to go in, which, with the North Shore to put out, will most likely occupy the whole afternoon ; therefore the players had better show up sharp to time.

A cricket match will take place in the Domain ground to-morrow between the Carlton CO and the United Colts. The lasb match which took place between these two clubs was won by the Carleton after a hard struggle, and it is anticipated that the match to-morrow will be a very close affair, and that either club will have to fight hard to score a victory. Wickets will be pitched punctually at half-past one o'clock. The following are the names of the players : — Carlton CO.—Tonks, Johnson, Stone, Kent, Yates, J. Lawry, Buttle, Bodie, H. Lawry, Sharpe, Ewen. United Colts : Lacon, Davis, Whitaker, Lankham, Lynch, Beale, Mase field, Castelli, Brooke, Alderton, Brighton.

A meeting of citizens was held yesterday afternoon at the office of Mr Brock, solicitor, respecting the formation of the Masonic Hall Company. Seven hundred and eleven shares were at once taken up, and it is expected that this number will be doubled in the course of a few days. The site of the hall has been purchased, the company are in possession of the deeds, and the undertaking bids fair to be a successful speculation.

The charge of receiving stolen goods against John Smyth, of Wellesley-street, was closed last evening at five o'clock. Mr Hes keth cross-examined Detective Grace at great length, and made a very able defence for prisoner, who was committed to take his tiial at the Supreme, Court.

The frequent escape of convicts from New Caledonia, such as those recorded in onr Australian telegrams per Otago, at the Bluff to-day, justify the uneasiness felt in Australia when New Caledonia was made a convict settlement. The com plete failure of the stringent precationary measures suposed to have been taken by the General who investigated the escape of Rochefort, and dealt so unmercifully with the Governor of the island and other officials will, it is to be hoped, revert on the head of that good gentleman, and the same disgrace which he branded upon other servants of the Republic should be forthwith placed upon him.

AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAMS.

[PER 'OTAGO,' AT BLUFF.]

EXTRAORDINARY ESCAPE OF COMMUNISTS.

THE GOTHENBURCH'S WRECK.

News from the Palmer.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.)

MELBOURNE.

March 27.

Notwithstanding all the apparent precau tions, and the new and vigorous system, twenty leading Communists, headed by Dr. Baatoud, have managed to escape from New Caledonia in a boat of their own building, and are now at large, all search being una vailing. The McGregor, with the Californian mails, reached San Francisco on the 20th. All hope of hearing further of the Gothenburg has been abandoned. The funds raised in Mel bourne and Adelaide amounts to an aggre gate of about £7000, for which there are nu merous claimants. A man named Mantel, at Launceston, recently fabricated a story of the wreck of the barque Colino, from London to Sydney, on King's Island, and alleged he was steward of the ship. No vessel of such name is proved to be coming to Sydney, A case of Borne interest, Cameron v. T. D. A. Hughes, for tho recovery of money lent in connection with the starting of a news paper express for town and country, resulted in a verdict for plaintiff. During the regatta on Saturday, Miss Perry, daughter of Captain Perry, Williams town, lost her life by a buggy accident. The collision between the Ballarat train with a trolly, on the North-eastern railway, resulted in the loss of three lives.

A Commission has been appointed to inquire into the conditioh of the Volunteer force.

Hans Breitman won the Ballarat Grand National Steeplechase.

Blondin left for Europe by the mail steamer.

Commercial. —The breadstuff market has assumed a better tone, and prices are firmer. Wheat, 4s 9d ; Is 2d for oats, 4s 8d to 4s 9d paid. Liqnids are a little better. Hennes sey's case, 303 6d. Teas and sugars without noticeable alteration.

A meeting of the creditors has been held of H. Smith and Co., drapers, Ballarat. Liabilities unstated.

SYDNEY,

March 27. On tho re-assembling of Parliament, Mr Allen was elected Speaker in opposition to Mr Wisdom, but he has resigned as the fair ness of the election was questioned. The Government promised to amend the Land and Educational Acts, and to modify the tariff vote of £5,000 passed for Melbourne and Philadelphia Exhibitions Sir J. Innes has been elected Chairman of Committees in the Council, and Mr Driver in the Assembly. SOO Chinese have been landed at Cook town en route to the Palmer, and 3,000 more at Hongkong are awaiting transit to the colo ny, principally for Cooktown and Towns ville.

The barque St. Magnus, from Adelaide to Brisbane, was totally wrecked, and the crew lost.

Gunboats are searching for the escaped Communists, but no tidings have been re-

ceived,

Incessant rains and heavy gales continue on the Queenland coast.

The Brisbane Government awarded Mulli gan £1,000 for the discovery of the Palmer goldfields.

PIGEONS FROM THE THAMES.

Our pigeons from the Thames to-day have brought slips of the Advertiser's Ohinemuri letter, which, however, is identical with that published in the Cross this morning by tele graph from Grahamstown. The birds also bring the following news extracts :—

"A meeting of the friends of Mr Davies was held last evening, when arrangements were made for carrying through the election energetically. Mr Rowe is announced to address the electors of Thames at Mackay town at five o'clock this evening, and to morrow evening both candidates will address the electors in the Theatre Royal, Grahams town.

"We understand that the efforts being made to re-form the Bird-in-Hand Company on a more satisfactory basis, and enable the mine to be re-opened, are likely to prove successful. It is proposed to reform the company with 20,000 shares, and already 13,000 shares have been applied for. An extraordinary meeting of the shareholders has been called to carry out the proposal."

The Advertiser doubts the truth of the reported arrival of two more Cospatrick sur vivors.

THE SUPPOSED SURVIVORS OF THE COSPATRICK.

THE ARRIVAL OF THE COLDSTREAM.

THE STATEMENT CONTRADICTED.

It will be seen from the following extract, which appeared in the Dundee Advertiser of February 9, placed at our disposal to-day by Mr R. Sommerville, that the reported ar rival of two more Cospatrick survivors, is contradicted and explained :—" The rumour that the survivors of the Cospatrick were on board the Coldstream, from Coconada, which arrived iv the West India Docks, London, yesterday afternoon (February 8) gave rise to considerable excitement when it became known that there was no foundation what ever for that rumour, beyond the fact that a man from Java, who was suffering from dysentry, was in hospital with Macdonald, Lewis, and Cotter at St Helena. The captain of the Coldstream regrets that the pilot at Brixham misunderstood the message, which was shouted to him from on board. Messrs Shaw, Saville, & Co. in structed their agent to board the Coldstream at Gravesend, and hadj made arrangements to have the wants of the expected survivors

supplied. Their offices, and those of Messrs Teigh & Smith, the owners of the Cold stream, were besieged by anxious inquirers. Our Plymouth correspondent telegraphs : Although the captain of the Coldstream says that what he told Salisbury, the pilot, was that the two men pointed out had been in St. Helena Hospital with the Cospatrick sur vivors, Salisbury persists that what he was told was that the two men were themselves survivors of the Cospatrick, and this he for mally reported in writing on reaching the shore. Salisbury, being a trustworthy pilot of long standing, is anxious to be brought face to face with the captain, and being amenable to the Trinity Board it is hoped tbat thatbody will institute a thorough investigation.

FIJI

{FROM our own correspondent.) Levuku, March 25. THE POSITION OF PLANTERS. Awaiting, as we are, an entire change of government, when all matters pertaining to the group will be placed upon a better and more substantial footing, there is naturally on the part of merchants and planters a tendency to wait and see how things turn out ere they invest deeper in their several industries. One of the greatest questions that will require Gubernational considera tion will be the land .queston, for here, as lit were, lies the neuclus of our future pros perity. At present the planter is but a nominal owner,—his claims require to be recognised ; it is requisite that he should be placed in possession of his Crown grant, and then armed with the title deeds of his estate. He has security to offer for any necessary advances. THE FIJI BANK. Whilst speaking of monetary accommo dation, we may mention that the rumor of other bank establishments forming branches h«re has been received with much favor. The Fiji Banking Company is unpopular by reason of its trading association. As a bank its object should be to extend trade ; but as a commercial company, it is to its interest to monopolise it. The incongruity of these facts is self-evident.

THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. In official circles nothing is particularly noticable, except the inertness of the present Ministers of the Grown, and they appear anything but desirous of placing matters in the best light to Sir Arthur Gordon on his arrival. Mr Layard, the administrator of the Government, purposes returning to England on the first opportunity, and in the mean time he dispenses his duties as if ap parently uninterested in his vocation. The chief mover is the Honorable J. B. Thurston, and his object, despite all the cunning of which he is possessed, is self-evident. He has removed every possible Minister and officer, and centred on himself and his satel lites their duties and offices, so that on the arrival of the Governor he will have no rivals for the appointment of "Man Friday" to his Excellency. It is not thought, however, that any of the old Government staff will be held on. Their antecedents are so doubtful, and their political career in Fiji so suggestive, that it seems ridiculous to imagine a man of Sir Arthur's calibre will associate him self with them. In Mr Swanson, the late Native Minister recently deposed by Thurs ton, the Governor would have an able and conscientious servant in dealing with the colored races, for he has never taken part in any of the scheming adventures of his col leagues, but confined himself to his duties so assiduously as to secure for himself the cog nomen of the " Mackay of Fiji."

FEARFUL RAVAGES OF MEASLES.

Fearful ravages have been throughout the group by the introduction of the measles. Hundreds and even thousands, have died like rotten sheep. The air in Levuka was literally impregnated with the odour of death, and only one continual stream of coffins was perceptible in our streets. When the disease was fairly introduced, and the germs thereof had fairly taken root, the authorities began to bestir themselves a little, but here was a great deal of show and no ac tion, for day by day disclosures most gross in their nature are being made of the Government. That a searching enquiry should be made as to where the blame rests ; whether with Captain Chapman or Messrs Layard and Thurston, is necessary ; common humanity demands it, and the delinquent should be made to suffer for his carelessness. The disease is now on the decrease, but mor tality still continues to be very great.

TOE NEW CHIEF JUSTICE.—A SIN-

GULAR CASE

The report that Mr Grant, of Ballarat, becoming our Chief Justice is contradicted : but we sincerely hope some judicial function ary will put in an appearance, as the adminis tration of law in Levuka has becoms a farce and a byeword. It is costly and expensive in the extreme, nnd utterly useless ; as for instance, look at the case of Houpg Lee, and Wilson. The plaintiff does an act of kindness to defendant ; he lends him an anchor to go to Goya, on condition of Wilson returning it on the Tuesday. Wilson is in a position to do so, but he retains the anchor as a hurricane was imminent. The blow comes ; Wilson's vessel weathers the storm ; Houng Lee's is stranded. An action follows. The Judge instructs the jury; they find for £300 (three hundred pounds) for plaintff. A new trial is moved for, and refused. Now comes the injustice when execution is levied. The plaintiffs finds the bank in possession under bill of sale of all the effects of defen dant, and the assignment is dated the day after judgment was given against Wilson, and this friendly act on the part of the bank is upheld by reason of our having no insol vency laws here in force. A good deal of bitter feeling towards the bank has been raised by their action in the matter, as it is well known Wilson was only an agent for them in trading. DULLNESS OF BUSINESS. In commercial matters a slight dullness at present exists, but we believe it to be only temporary. The maize market is brisk, and accounts from the growing districts are favourable in the extreme. The Wentworth left filled to her hatches on her last trip, and the Star of the South, Dauntless, Daphne, and others have taken full freights to New Zealand. Growers of maize are now using more caution in^the drying of their grain, and this will be approved of by buyers. CULTIVATING SUGAR AND TO BACCO.

Sugar is every day becoming more culti vated, and as mills get into working order, so we may anticipate larger returns. A splendid sample of about 40 tons fetched from £28 to £30 per ton at James McCul lock and Co.'s mart, being bought for Auck land. The grower expressed himself satis fied at the price realised, which would amply repay him. The sugar cane had been dam aged by the hurricanes, but yet with all these drawbacks its density averaged 8. All the sugar planters are confident of the industry being a success, and they await only the settlement of tbe land question to allow them to enter more vigorously to work. Tobacco culture progresses very fair, samples both in cigars and blocks being now obtainable. Age alone is required to make the r fragrant weed of Fiji equal to any others. IMPORTATION OF CATTLE. The importation of cattle into Fiji has been considerable of late, and it is surprising how young stock thrive and put on flesh here. Messrs Henney, Evans, aud others, have now large runs plentifully stocked, and evince a desire to still continue im porting. THE HURRICANE MONTHS. / Our hurricane months are now over, and/, our fine weather days will shortly arrive, j

(From the Fiji Times). THE MEASLES. Has such an emergency yet arisen here I that the ordinary decencies should be dis peused with in the interment of natives ? j We can, without scruple, dispense with the prayers, ,&c, over the grace, as they are only for the benefit of those who attend the j funeral, and in the present instance they are few ; but why throw the bodies into the graves instead of laying them in decently ? Tui Levuka and Tui Vagadace have both within the week succumbed to the prevail ing sickness, the former dying at tke hospi tal on Friday night, and the latter on the i following day immediately after hearing of i Tui Levuka'a demise. The number of , chiefs that are falling victims to the epidemic is something fearful, and is a matter of regret in more ways than one. At length the Government have become alive to the situation, and have taken steps ; on a large scale to vanquish the enemy before the remnant of the people are carried off. The native churches have been converted into hospitals. Each is in charge of a governor with one native assistant ; the Government bailiff looks up the patients to | fetch them to the hospital, and has some kind of undefined authority over thegovernor thereof. MISCELLANEOUS. During the voyage of H.M. Sandfly from jj Sydney to Levuka, during tbe evening in the | roughest of ihe weather, and while it was •' pitch dark, the whole sky being lit up with a lurid glare on two different occasions, so in | fact that the whole length of the vessel was '.' visible. No less than 2200 Polynesians will require to be sent back to their homes during the next twelve months, and tenders are invited for their conveyance.

MEETING OF THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

A Provincial Government Gazette was pub-! lished this afternoon and contained a procla-J tion by his honor the Superindent, convening'; the Provincial Council to meet at three1 o'clock on Monday afternoon, the 10 of j May.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before His Worship the Mayor, and Dr.j Home.) DRUNK. • . Patrick Coyle was charged with being drunk this morning and was fined 5s and costs. Archibald Brown forfeited his bail. < MIKE KELLY. This well-known character, who had some years in prison for various offences was brought up under the Vagrant Act charged with being drunk and disorderly in Grey street this^morning and using language tend ing to provoke a breach of the peace. Michael said he was drunk, but not inca pable. He went home like a respectable gentleman, but the constable followed him up to the door, and instead of allowing him to retire to rest—took him into custody, j Constable Mulville deposed that prisoneic was making a noise at the house of a widow. It was two o'clock in the morning. He had • been lodging there, but, being a bad charac ter, the widow cautioned him not to comte there any more. J The Bench imposed a fine of £5, or in default one month's imprisonment. j j UNATTENDED. Joseph Craig was summoned for leaving his cart unattended in Commerce-street, da the 24th inst. THE KANAKAS. Tom and Tommy, Kanakas, who had be 4:. remanded several times, were again brougit jjjj up on a charge of stealing the sum of £12 10s. on the 23rd of March, the property of Henry Jeffries, at Nicholson's boarding- . house, Queen-street. Prisoner denied the charge. Henry Jeffries, bushman, formerly a sea man, and employed on the last cruise of the barque Albion, said the prisoners were em ployed on the same whaler. He and the prisoners went to lodge at the Bendigo boarding-honse. They occupied the next room, but there was a door opening from one room into the other. Tom went to bed at eleven, and Tommy about half-past. He had £12 10s in notes and silver in his trousers pocket when he went to bed. He could not sleep, and presently got up and went down stairs. Tom stood at the headi of the stairs looking down. He was absent ten minutes. On his return he searched I his trousers, which he left on the pillow; jhis money was gone. He popped, on his trousers and went towards the police office, and'met Serjeant O'Connor in the street and described his loss. They returned to the lodging house, searched prisoners room, and found the notes under Tommy's bed, and the 10s tied up in Tommy's handkerchief, hid under, his pillow. There was another man sleeping in his room, but he was too drunk to observe any thing, he said his namie was^ceats. The prisoners knew that he received a cheque for £21 on coming ashore. Serjeant 0 Connor wns on duty at one o'clock on the morning o.f the 23rd inst, when the prosecutor came up 'to him and told him of the robbery, he went* to prisoner's room, > and found the money as described. He took them into custody. Ke saw the man Sceats who was insensibly di/unk. The prisoner Tom .'said he had nothing to do with it; Tommy said he was drunk and took the money; had he been sober he should not have done so. The prisoners were then committed for trial. This was all the business.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.— This Day.

(Before His Honor Judge Beckham.) JUDGMJ SKTS FOR PLAINTIFF. "2f Emma Wells v. J. J. Smith, goods, £5 7s. 7d. ; Emma V fells v. James Docherty, £3 18s. 4d. ;J.C, Sharland v. Robert Hale, £7 10s. 2d. ; W. R. Banks v. James Hamley, £9 18s. Bd.; J. E. Rollerson v. D. Munro, £5 6s. Id. ; (J. F. Quick v. Agnes Crockett, £16 ; Henry L. Posseniskie v. D. Anderson, £1 10s. , i '.'am ADJOURNED TO NEXT COURT DAY. . Alexande (r Dingwall v. Thomas Peek, £20; Moss Isaac ,3 v. John Robinson, £3; Windsor Castle G.h fc.G. v. Geo. Vickery, £1 18s. ADJOURNED FOR A FORTNIGHT. Emma Wells v. Henry Mills, £10 16s. 6d. W. L. REES V. KEESING. - Coets, /£l7 12s2d. Mr He/sketb. appeared for the defendant, and stat ed the defence to be that the plain tiff had . never been engaged to do the work for whi< Oh the costs were charged. Mr Brookfield called the plaintiff, who describ ,ed the nature of the claim. .M, appear a that about two and a-half years ago, a con lmittee was formed to work certain mines l_ including the Golconda at Coroman del. At one of the committee meetings the defer idant instructed plaintiff to act as solici" tor i n certain work which the committee re quir ed to be done. The committee we?e of con rse equally liable with Mr Keesing. V/Vhen the case had gone thus far his. Hr >nor suggested that the matter had better st.\ *nd over till next Court day, to give the P'/irties an opportunity to arrange matters. / This course Was adopted. / E. MCNULTY V. R. SMITH. / Damages, £20. ' a_1 j This was an action for cattle trespass. -I / was withdrawn at the suggestion of th<* / Court. /



Q.OOD VALUE FOE MONEY AT THE ; .'" .1 t. '"'- H CITY HALL. NEW GOOD IN ALL DEPARTMENTS By every Vessel from England. VS~ Opening up now— WINCEYS, ■~_ < t / 'AA,7-i 'i*A.iAAli Aid MERINOS, SILKS, FANCY KRESS MATERIALS BLANKETS, SHEETING!, " QUILTS, DAMASTS, ... .; "' ■' T.zi.'i .:■'. '■/ " B3YS' & MEN'S WINTER CLOTHING, LADIES' HATS, UNDERCLOTHING, FANCY HOSIERY. HOLLOWAY & r GARLICK, - city haul; ! •' 230, Queen-street, Auckland.



THORNTON. SMITH, & FIRTH'S PEICES CURRENT (Wholesale :— £ s. d. Fine Flour, silk-dressed, " Crown Brand," per ton of 2,000 lbs 12 0 0 Ditto, ditto, '• T. S. &F. Brand," ditto .... 10 0 0 Sharps, ditto 0 10 0 Bran, per bushel of 20 lbs 0 1 3 Fowl Wheat, per bushel of GO lbs 0 4 0 Bags charged.—Terms cash.



Render the System Disease-Proof — We earnestly recommend the inhabitants of mala rious localities, persons whose occupations are unhealthy or subject them to exposure in the open air, emigrants to sections of country recently cleared of timber, travellers and persons of feeble constitu tion, to protect themselves against the hurtful effects of sudden climatic changes—air-poison, tainted or brackish water, and intense heat or cold, by a course of Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps.



COFFEE !— Brown, Barrett, and Co.'s s*ff^^J Coffees both delicious and strong, Brown, B| fJB and Co.*s Excelsior Coffee deserves preference>«*•*£■ Coffee on account bf purity and dirtictness of flavoi>vl Note the brand. Sold at almost every grocery ijl abliduneni in town and oountiy.-(AdTtO .■ .A