SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER : Tbls evening, 10.49 ; to morrow morning. 11.24 SUN SET : This evening, 8.25 ; SUN RISE: to morrow morniut. 6 2 MOONS AOE : First Quarter 15th, 0 44p m

ARRIVALS.

Southern Cross, s s, from Taur iiiga lioweua, s s, ttephenson, fjoin tiny of IsIaUCU

DEPARTURES.

I.ibella, brig, for Newcastle £t-r of tha Bouttl, ss, f -r Levuka Dsur-t'ess (Buwiiiiau), schooner, for Fiji via Mercury Bay

PROTECTED TEMPERATURES.

For Loudon- Ra_.ido, barq'ie, eaily F r L«vuka— Dauntless, pclioq.ner early For Dtmeain—ls_>.e la Vr\tt, schooner, early. For *au _<"i._a»i_co Mikado, 53,, (next English

Mail), Morcli 19 Fjr the Islands - Martha, barque, early HV_ Ni-:>l*r-.ln*>erene. ship, ea:ly .J -jr_/u.oii-Oi.-i:oa s'iip. e.riy

: ■-.-!: 1 i-nura - Wave,, _n.g. _,«aly P erl-ss, f >r Kjiip>r», __-morrow Daphne foe Levuka, at ence For Ho .art Town—Bella Mary, barque, early For the -routh —Tarauaki, ss. 18th inst For T'unedin—Ma.gii Peterson, schooner, early For Dansdin—isa'stlla Pratt, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Hero, s.s, from Sydney, about 23rd

Wonga, from Sydney, early Ca ler im ship, KM PK, from Lindon ; sailed Fernglen. ship, from London : sai'ed Baron Aberdare. ship, f om London ; tailed Dec 8 Shooting Star, Dar^ue, KSRV, fromLjndon ; sailed

Dec 23 Rapido, barque, PGRL, from New York, via Adelaide Syren, brig, from LyttelU-.n Ryno, bngantine: from Rotumah. early Flirt, brig.mtiue.'from Lyttelton; sailed 9thinat. Papua, schooner, from Karotonga, early B_ale Brandon, schooner, from the Islands, early Sy.tney, barque, from Melooume ; sailed Febrairy 24 F/ilcin, bar<juentine, ftom Melbourne; s*iled2ad inst Rio L">ga, brig, from Lyttelton ; siiled 6th inst. Sir I.aac Newton, brlgantine, from Lyttelton ; Bitted

Bth in.-t Pacific, schooner, from Lvltelton ; sailed 6th inst

Pe*rl ketch, from the Islands, rarly

Blanch--, schooner, from iturotonga Indinavir, barque, from London, early Daumliss, tops*;l schooner, from Noumea, early

Kmu, ss, from Dunedin, early Tien Tsin, barque, from Launceston, early

Taranaki, ss, from South Monday

LAUNCH AT THE NORTH SHORE.

To-day at noon, Messrs Sims and Brown launched the fine topsail schooner tliey have been building for the South. Mr G "VV. Binney received Instructions to have the vessel built, and gave the order to the builders some four or five months back, since which her progress iv construction has been steady and continued. The name selected was the " Maggie _?aterson,"-in honor of the wife of Captain Peterson, who is to take command. The tide, answered this morning soon after eleven, and by thai: time every thing was in readiness. The vesftcl, as she lay upon the ways, with her graceful masts and spars all in position, aud her- rigging Set up, presented a very pretty sight. Her lines show that her designers are no novices at their business, and we understand that especial care has been exercised by her builders to turn out a craft likely to bring fresh orders from her destination. Miss Ellen Eyrie performed the cere mony of christening When the order was given the shores were quickly knocked away, a^-d immediately the vessel started on her way to the sea. Quickening her speed as she went, she settled down iv the water as Steadiiy and easily as any vessel we have seen sent off, and a loud cheer heralded her arrival in her new element. The gentlemen who own the Maggie Pater son are Messrs Anderson and MoWatt, Mr Keith Bamsay, and Captain Peterson, of Dunedin. The last-named was present at tho launch, having arrived from the South some few days ago. The dimensions are:—Length of keel, SJft; breadth of beam 20rt ; depth of huld, Bft fin. t-he is double-fr.in.ed through out. U'it timoers are of pohutakawa, aud her plank ing of kauri. Sue hi* alre.dy b^en measured, and is found to be 87 tons re jiss.ee ; builder's measurement, 15i t'-lns She is calciiintid *o carry a heavy c-trgo on a sm?_ll draugit of water. A large number of people witnessed taa launch. As the business of the day was over, an adjournment was made to tin builders' shed close by, aud lefreshuieats wero produced and teveral healths drunk in champagLe. C -pUin Paterson pro pised the " .Builders," and expressed himself satis fled with the way the work Ir.d been carried out. Mr Brown responded in suitable terms. Mr Soiitn ne__4 proposed the " Owners " Th s was answ_r- dby Cap tain P-.terson. The workmea wt-r. alsj regaled in liberal style. It is a great compliment to the ship building trade o. A.u.'_.Ltud to re-eive orders from such a bustuess cente is Duneiin We fed confident th-_r. Messrs Sim 3 and Brown have done credit to tha por» by their latest production.

Tha schooner Maggie Pat-:rson will load here with timber for Dunedin. Khe ia expected to sail in about a fortnight's time, . The barque Tien Ts"n_ with a cargo principally of bark, is expected here from .Launcesion about the end of the present month. i Tlw Kmu is loading for Auckland at Dunedlr. ' The baique Ada was brought in to a berth at the -wharf this morning. She occupies that just vacated by the Invererne. The s.s. Star of the Sou'-h took her departure for L.vutta las. night Passengeis : Messrs Fenton and Ptilpp . Mrs uaslett, Jars Levy and Son, Mr and Mi>sßojd. Steerage: Mr J. Johnson.-4..5.P. Co., Agents, , - , . ts-The s.a. Kowena left Eussell at noon yesterday wi■:__ S X wind aud mod-rate weather, and arrived la Auckland a. 5 am. this morning. We are obliged to VV. H. atodart, purser, f ;r report of passage, &c. Cargo :67 bag. gum. U. D Kclpn &Co , Gdo do, Arnold, _Aine3 ; 3S hides,,'S'!ba"e_ sKins, Irel»< d Bros : 47 cases fruit, Catou ;'2l bags gum, Siewart and Anderson. H«r passengers were enumerated in our last night's issue. MrD.ivid Gouk has obtained the contract for sup plying tee schooner l-evuka wi.h new masts and spira. Ttie Levuka is n.arly a new vessel, having beeu built at Hamburg abuut eighteen monihs and b_r altfratious are r-.ot on account of any nnservice ab'.enes. iv the old spars. :-he w*s lightly sparred for h=r oce ia voyage irom Hamburg to Kjji, and it is now proposed to lurnUh hef with masts and yards, Hrhiott will euabie her to spread a much larger area of ca-vas. He.- new mainmast is 10 be 9ft longer, and her inainyard Bft longer than at present.

WANGAROA.

The bvqne Annie Lifle will finish loading the end of icxt week.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr R. Arthur's poultry and produce sale was well attended yesterday. Fowls sold at Is 2d to 2s 3d ; turkeys, 2s 6d to 4s ; ducks, la Id to 2s Id ; geese," 4a 3d ; pigeons, Is 2d; potatoes, 4s to 4s 6d. onions, l£d to l_d ; pears, 3£d ; damsons, 3Jd ; quinces, If d; Wairoa cheese, 6d to 8d ; hams, Is 2^d.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows .— For "Whitiangi, Tairua, Opotiki, and Napier via Tauranga" per Soutnem Cross, on Monday next, at 3 p in. For Giaborce and Napier, per Qo-ahead, on Monday next, at 3 p to For liussel!, Wangaroa, and Mcngonui, per Rcwena, en Monday next, at 4 p m. Per s.s. Mikado, on Friday, 19th instant, as under: For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South Americs., and British aud Foreign West Indies, at 10.80 a m. Ifor the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 10.30 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and news paper;', at 9 30 am Late letcers be*riu(_ an extra, fee ef 6d will b« received by the M_.il Agent on board up to time of sailing (Signed) S. B. Biss, Chief Postm«stor.

BIRTH.

PIERCE—On the 12tli instant, at The Nook, Upper Symon*33-street, Mrs George P. Pierce of a daughter.

DEATH.

ANDREW-onth3l-lth instant, at the residence of his father, Percy Ernest Andrew, aged 1 year and 5 months.

The funeral wjll take place on Monday, the loth instant, at 8 o'clock a.m. School-mates and young friends are particularly requested to attend.

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1875.

For the oause that lacks gs_l3tKnce. >'or tlie wrong liuit neeUa resistance, •"w tile future in His dUtanc-.. As A the kc--d th-». vre can do.

We can hardly ihink that the public gene rally are aware that the Young Men's Chris tian Association is almost in articulo mortis. Dr. Maunsell last night, at the meeting of the

Ladies' Benevolent S:;ci;ty, cave ictima.iou of this, and the notice in another column to day confirms i;. Surely the people of Auck land will not view this with indifference Surely the churchgoing and religious circles of this place will not a"owit to go forth that while secular institutions live and flourish thi3 one Teligi-us institution Under the po tecting shelter of which so many useful movement i have been originate 1 and fostered has b: en suffered to die. Is- this the hold that religion ba3 on the feeling of the place? jls this the value set on an institution spe cially intended to divert our young men from folly and frivolity, and turn then-, "to usefulness as citizens and as Christ ians ? It canno. be charged aguins*. tho Association that it has failed in any one of the objects for which it and similar institutions are founded. It has a most excellent and well selected library with a large and interested circle of readers. It has a well-appointed and well-conducted new room, where an idle hour may be spent quietly and to profit. It has had its classes, debates, and everything kindred, such as are supposed to enlist the sympathies of young men. Above all, it has had its annual course of lectures, the most popular and the most largely attended of all the serie3 of lectures that have ever been given in Auckland. While there is hardly one good or benevolent enter prise ever originated in this city, with the founding of which we cannot find the an nouncement, "To be held at the Young Men's Christian Association rooms, Welles ley-street." And all this is to come to a premature end. The library is to be scat tered; the lectures to be abandoned; the circle of young men to dissolve ; tbe very building it may be to be turned into a public-house or a cassino. And this in Auckland ! Auckland which really is known for philanthropy, aud which evermore res ponds willingly to every appeal for the relief of the deserving, turns a deaf ear to the pleadings of the friends of this institution. We do not believe it. The friends of the iustitution are disappointed and down hearted. They have struggled hard, and as it ssems to them, to no purpose, and their arms have fairly fallen down in despair. But surely the people of Auckland, and especially those that take an interest in re ligious and philanthropic movements, will not suffer this to be. We do not hesitate to say that for the churches to allow the down fall of this association will be suicidal. There are agencies in plenty at work to undermine religious organizations, and with the flood of' infidelity and scepticism that is surging on ward and around the very walls of the churches, it behoves the churches to not see such a bulwark as this Association swept away. We have before referred to the work which has been done for the churches by this Association in keeping together their young men and training them to organi sation and usefulness in connection with their several denominations. Let this rallying point for youthful effort be swept away ; let the library collected with* such care be scattered ; let the young men of the churches pick up their literature as chance may put it in their way ; let them float away into various scenes that will provide for their amusement*and give employmentfor their idle hours in lieu of that; provided in Wellesley street ; let young men coming from distant lands, away from friends and wonted associa tions find no place in which, even if they desire it, they can find advice, companion ship and aid in endeavouring to keep in paths in which they had been accustomed to walk, and the Churches will bear the consequences. This is one of those cases in which a religious organisation may fold itself up in the mantle of its own selfishness, and be indifferent to a coming evil that is sure to reach it. We sincerely trust that this noble insti tution will not be allowed to sink. It is true it inherits a miserable patrimony ot debt; and that the burthen hangs around

its neck like a millatone. But when we see tho number of wealthy men in Auckland, and men connected, too, with our religious organizations, men to whom the whole debt, would be but a bagatelle ; men to whom the signing of a cheque for the total amount would not deprive them of one solitary comfort in life, or limit in the least degree their enjoyment of luxuries ; when we see that we have men among us who anony mously and openly put down their names for £500 for the benefit of a Scientific As sociation, surely in tbe name of moral ity and religion we might expect aH leas, a similar interest to be shown by some of the many wealthy citizens who feel and say that the cause of religion is above all other causes. We do not hesitate to say that the present position of thia Young Men's Christian Association is a stain on religion, and may well be cast up in opprobrium against the members of the churches of the city, as ail evidence that the profession of religion is a sham, and that professors of religion with money in their hands really don't care a fig about the thing. There are those, of course, who don't conceal that their God is their money-bag, and whose prayer-boob is their ledger ; but there are multitudes in Auckland who pro fess to value what is nobler, and yet they stand by and sec this institution go to smash. We Still hope that a true sense of the value of this institution to the churches will yet be realised, and that this foster mother of so many other institutions will be spared to Auckland.

The adulteration of food and drink _3 "an evil agamst which the psoplo of Auckland havo hitherto had nt! p'rsctical remedy. Not that legislation does not exist under which purveyors of adulterated articles are very severely punishable, but hitherto there has been no machinery for carrying out the hw. Duiiog the last session oC the pro vincial Council, howeVei. a sum was voted for the erection of a laboratory, and the w*o:k has jist been canied ou. under the direction of the Provincial Government. By proclamation in a Gazette published to day it is notified that "tho local analyst under the said Act will attend daily at .ho Laboratory, lideh-streot, between the hours of ten a.m. and four p.m " The announcement is an important one to consumers, but it is stiil more so to vendors, upon whom is thrown the responsibility of ascertaining that the goods they retail are unadulterated, Several cases have been brought before the Courts iv Dune-din, chiefly against publicans, andtiic plea has invariably been (hut the adultera'ion has not originated with the retailer, but was effect d either by tbe importer or manufacturer ; but th 8 pea is of no avail. The offence under the Ac*. is for selling as well as in dung or manufactuiit g, and it remiius for sore or hotel-keepers to gee tha. they purchase a sound article. The folio-ving is the clause of the Act under which penalties are imposed : " Every peisen who sh ill mike, tnanu fac'ure, sell, or exhibit or offer for sale, any articles of food or drink which are adulter ated or not pure, \.htth°r such articles of food or drink shall or shall not by reason of fiich adulteration or such impurity be ren dered deleterious to health, and any person who shall make, manufac'ure. sell or exhibit or (ffer for sale, any ar'icle of food or drink enclosed in on bearing any cover, capsule, wrapper, label, ssal, or enclosure, or imprint or mark by wh-ch such ait.cle is made to represent that which it is nob, sb.dl for every such offence, on a tttmmary conviction of the same before two Justices of thePeice forfeit and pay a penalty not exceeding ten pounds, toge.her with such co.ta attending such conviction as to the said Justices shall seem reasonable, or be imprisoned for any period not exceeding one month, and every person so convicted shall forfeit the articles of food or in respacfc of which such conviction .hall have taken place " It is eatief '.ctory _o know that the public havo now some pro tection, r-nd tradesmen who endeavour to keep a good article will be preserved from unequal competition with unscrupulous dealer** in inferior stuff. A very large per centage of the prosecutions instituted in Great Britain for adulteration have botn against milktren. many of whom may not be aware that an [admixture of pure water with their milk i 3 punishable uuder the Act. As the liven of our infant population depend so largely upon the quality of the milk retai'ed in the city, wo hope au investigation into this class of adulteiation will be inclu ded in the first series of investigations at the new laboratory.

Captain Peterson, who is to take command of the schooner launched to-day at the North Shore, was formerly master of the schooner Jane Anderson, in which Cotter, one of the survivors of the Cospatrick tragedy, served for siime time.

Sabbath services to morrow as follows :— The Methodist Free Church, Pitt-sti'eet - morning and evening, by the Rev G. H. Turner. Pitt-street Wesleyan Church - morning, by Rev. W. C. Oliver; evening, Hey. A. Reid. Lome street Hall—By Rev. S. Edger (B A), morning and evening. North Shore Presbyterian Church morning and evening. Edwardes-street Primitive Methodist Church—Morning, by Rev. W. Harris ; even ing, Rev. W. Tinsley. Sheridan-street Chapel Morning, by Mr F. Batoley; even ing, Rev. W. Har^. JNewtou Kirk—By Hey. Dr. Wallis, morning and evening. Odd fellows' Hall. Cook-stre&t—By Mr F. Cavenagb, at half-past six, evening. For list of subjects see advertisements in another column.

This morning, at half-past ten o'clock, some excitement was created on the newly rfcclaim-.d land at the Quean-street end of the wharf, by one of the horses engaged in the work backing over into the harbour with the dray, and the man in charge. It seems that the earth gave way under one of the wheels, and the vehicle toppled over. Both horse and man had a narrow escape of drowning, for the mau could not swim, and the horse was so shackled by its harness that it could not rise. Both were rescued after some trouble. The animal was a noble grey belonging to Messrs Jagger and Parker.

By an error in our issue of last evening, the name of Weston was given as winner of the first prize at the district firing. Id should have been Watson, of No. 3 Company. This Company has secured the first prize in each set this year, and it is a noticeable coinci dence that these men and the winner of the Champion Belt were all members of the late Artillery and of the Rifle Club, initiated in connection with that corp3, which had the effect of developing many of these "shots," who are nw reaping their reward. It is much to be regretted that a misunderstand ing with the captain led to the resignation of this once fine corps and that so few have a^ain joined the Volunteers. It is to be hoped, however, that time will cure the old wound ; that those who are now seatteted will join their old comrades, some of whom have gone into No. 3, and already left their mark on the target.

In explanation of ihe statement in last night's Star that Moose had been withdrawn from all engagements at the Tamaki races, we are requested by Dr Wright to state that the horse had been entered without his knowledge or consent

" A Mason" writes objecting to the use of "rubbish from the Barrack Hill as a substitute for mortar in the Breakwater extension." He says : "If the other con tractors had known that such work would be acceptable their tenders would have been very, very different."

The H.A.C.B. Society's ball- on St. Patdck's Day, promises.to be an event of more than ordinary brilliancy. It has been noticed that the annual bail in connection with this Benefit Society has always been a success, being carried out on the most unbiassed principles, and palronised by all shades of opinion. The Choral Hall has been engaged for the occasion, and the services of the Hobson Band secured. Mr T. H. "Whito will officiate as M.C., assisted by a well chosen committee. Mr Stacey will cater the creature comforts indispensable at such seasons. We aj_e requested to state that as the number of guests is limited, early application for tickets is necessary to prevent disappointment.

With reference to the pigeongram in our issue yesterday, from a correspondent at Wark worth, we are informed that the mails for Waiwera and Warkworth were duly made up on Thursday la.t, and conveyed to the wharf for shipment on board the Lady Bo wen at the usual hour, but it was found that the steamer hid uot arrived from Mata kana, and there wa3 so much uncertainty as to her arrival that the mails were returned to the Post Office. Subsequently the "vessel camo in, and left again immediately after arrival for Waiwera, without giving notice to the Poit Office, hence the detention of the mails.

Mr. Hugh Hart Lusk is gazetted as having been elected a member of the Provincial Council for the districts of Wairoa and Mangapai.

Captain Biker ie gazette! pilot at the port of Russell.

Seme time ago a young named Walker, living with hie mother in Elliott-street, at the "back of Me.srs Whitson and Sou's brewery, died in destitute circumstances. Ihe brewery hands, knowing the distress the family had been in, with that liberality which has been manifested by them on seve ral similar occasions, subscribed to defray the fantral and other attendant expenses. They also obtained contributions from other persons who were made acquainted with the merits of the case. A sum of £11 was thus raised. This, we learn, has beett appro priated in the following thinner •—Expenses of funeral, £3 10. ; balance given to the mother of deceased, £7 I,os. Such an unos tentatious act of chaiity deserves to be known.

The first and final, dividend to creditors in the esta:e of Thomas Fish, will be paid on Tuesday next, but those Who have neglected to prove their c!aiui3 will be excluded from any share.

The Leopard Boy an 1 Fairy Queen re ceived a lar^e number c)f visitors last eve ning at I heir levee in the Market square. The pictures were much admired, and the calculations by the mental magician would' have as'oui_hed the astonishing Cocker of a previous centu-'y. The matinee thia after noon was well patronised,

To the Elitorl Sir,-Mr J. B Russell ye3terd.y_ iv his opening address- for tbe plaintiffs, said that the defeudt was brought forward to throw dirt or mud upon tho City Council officials. 1 deny tha. accusation^ I appeared th.re ti defend myself against a charge for m >ney which I ""Mtaidel. Ido not owe, aud Which 1 had a pcr.ect ru_,hfc to do All the dixt or mud thio^ing, if there was any, was at myself by my opponents. I simply v. cut to defen'l niyself and Was un connected with any o.her person Or persons. Yours respectfully. —Wm Holder,

The Ponsonby B.ptis. Chapel is now com plete, an 1 to-morrow afternoon thi Sunday school in connection therewith will be opened, and on the following Sunday the regu'ar religious services will ba commenced of which d.m notiie will be .iven. Tha little church occupies r. prominent position in the growing neighbourhood of Ponsonby, and will be con* c ikiit for those persons in the district who adhere t_» the pri-iciples enunci ated by John Bunyaa in the days of the Commonwealth.

Mr K. A. Fi'zgerald, the secretary of the Maiyiebone Cricket Club, is preparing for publication a volume of cricket scores and biographies. The book is nearly ready. On the 19th of January Mr Fitzgerald writes to Bell's Life that ho is only waiting for infor mation to come in about a few cricketers whose nimc_ aro mentioned. Among these wo see 0. R. Johnson, Fsq., N«.w Zealand ; S. Cosstik, 13. B. Cooper, Esq., G. P. Robertson, Australia.

The xliaiehidders of the Auckland Co opera tive Meat Supply Company, held a meeting l»st evening in the offices, Queen-street, Mr William Atkin in the chair. The business of the meeting consisted in the election of '•(Beers, auditors' and other matters. Mr A. Dornwell was elected manager, Mr McKay treasurer, pro tern, and Messrs Waymouth and F/a.er were proposed as auditors, sub ject to airangement with the committee for which the following gentlemen wore selected and approved : Messrs Potter Elliott, Taylor Atkin and McKenzie. It was resolved that the company commence business on the Ist of May next, and that the third call be made in April. Mr W. Atkin was chosen chair man of the committee for the ensuing year according to the rules. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the proceedings to a close.

An instance of the uncertainty of mining pursuits has been related to us in connection with Ohinemuri. About three years ago a Thames miner who bad carried on a arduous exploration of the Upper Thames district at great risk, discovered a reef and brought away a quantity of etone, which was crushed by Mr Dewar at the Thames, and yielded a large percentage.of gold. He wa3, of course, unable at that time to proceed with the de velopment of his newly found treasure, owing to- the native difficulty, and as he intended to proceed to the West Coast, he made an arrangement with Mr Dewar to tele graph for him immediately there was a cer tainty of Ohinemuri been thrown open to mining entei-prise. This was done some weeks ago, and without delaying a moment, the discoverer returned in time for the pro clamation. He secured the co-operation of ten men to form a party to peg out and commenced his search for the hidden treasure. But the lapse of years had brought chane.es over the appearance of tbe country, or the prospectors memory of its features had grown dim and inaccurate, for he was completely non-plussed. After days searching he came upon what he be lieved to be the locality, but still he has been uDable to find the reef from which he obtained the Btone three years ago. Com pletely disheartened he told those who had joined his party that they were at liberty to leave him to carry on what now seemed a hopeless search alone, but they preferred to remain and share his fortunes, and are now engaged continuing the search, and may better luck attend their efforts.'

The following is given by an Austra lian contemporary as a good liiethod of getting threugh a bazaar without having to pay most exorbitantly for the privilege :— " Before going to the bazaar, beg, borrow, or steal a huge vase or chimney ornament ; tbe larger and uglier it is the better it will answer the purpose. Armed with this in strument, boldly enter the bazaar, and at onco commence askiug people to take shilling tickets in a raffle for the mons trosity. Make this appeal to stall-holders as well as to the general public, and you will soon find everybody give you a wide berth. You will be free co wander round the room unquestioned and, unsolicited to buy anything. In fact, so far from having to make injudicious purchases you may per haps have an opportunity of quietly earning a few shillings by honest industry, as if you select your vase with judgment no human being after giving you the shilling will ever return to see the result of the raffle lest he or she should chance to win the horrid thing, and have to carry it home."

It is notified in a Provincial Government Gazette, published to-day, that the Govern ment offices will be closed on St. Patricks Day.

FIRING FOR CHAMPION BELT.

Some time ago, all the cadets in the colony fired a preliminary match, and from the number of cadets who then fired, the thirty who made the highest scores were selected to compete again for the champion belt. These thirty are now in different parts of the colony ; but Sergeants Partington and Saun ders, and Corporal Yates, and lieutenant Rattray, were chosen for competitors from among the leading shots, Lieutenant Rattray unfortunately is in ill-health, and was not able to attend. The competition therefore, remained with the three tirst namtd officers, who met this morning at nine o'clock at the Mount Eden Range. The result of the firing was as follow.. The distances 100, 200, and 300 yards. Major Gordon superintended :— lOOvds 200«ds 300yd3 Tl Sergt Partington, E.G. 27 24 17 -68 Sergfc Saunders, E.C. 23 20 9— 52 Corpl. Yates, S.G.G. 24 11 lo —50

ENGLISH TELEGRAMS.

VIA SUEZ.

[SPECIAL TO THE STAR- J

NEW AUSTRALIAN" STEAM LINE

BIRD 3 FOR NEW ZEALAND,

EMIGRATION TO CANADA, • ___.

A MILLION SURPLUS REVENUE,

SUBMARINE TUMNPL BETWEEN ENGLAND AND FRANCE.

FREQUENCY OF STREET OUTRAGES

1,500 CATHOLIC PRIESTS FINED OR IMPRISONED IN GERMANY.

LONDON.

January 22. The Victoria, the first s_oam.r for the new Australian Steam Company, leaves London on the 27th February for Melbourne. Two directors accompany her for the purpose of arranging a contract with the Victorian Government for a fortnightly mail, to alter nate with the P. an 1 0. Company. Tho projected submarine tunnel unJer the Straits of Dover was the subject of consider ation between tho Lord Mayor and the French Minister of Public Works during the Mi-yor's Paris visit. The two Governments have sanctioned Parliamentary experiments. The steamer Faraday returned home with out succeeding in layiug the direct cable. Four criminals were executed on the 3rd of January for murder in London, and three in Liverpool were .reprieved. Several other cases of brutality have occurred in Liverpool and other places. The Press is devising moan 3 for suppres sing street outrage?. One gentleman offered £IUO as a nucleus of a fond for that object. In all the chief towns Magistrates and Judges have pronounced in favour of severe discipline and Hogging. By the death of old Mr. Atwood, formerly of Birmingham, he is discovered to be the donor of the £1000 anonymous cheques, which, during several years, have been dis posed of to the extent of £350.000. He has left more than a million of money and no will.

Sanctioned by the Canadian G-iv-irnmeat, agents acting under Mr. Jenkins are visiting all parts of England, aud a great outfljw is expected in spriug. The Queen has offered to confer a mark of Royal iavmr on Mrs. Gladstone, as on the late Mrs. Disraeli. Mr. 811 baa been sworn in Lord Chan cellor of Ireland.

An indictment has been prepared against Albert Grant, charging him with misde meanour iv connection with tho Kidder minster election.

Mr Baird, who lately g»ve half a million to the Church of Scotlaud, has received a Baronetcy. Earl Carnarvon has effected a final arrange ment between Canada and British Columbia, which would consent to federation only on a pledge that the Dominion Government wou'd construct a railway from the head of the chain of Great Lake 3to the Pacific. That contract they could not perform, capitalists shunning so unprofitable a contract. Through the mediation of Earl Carnarvon sixteen years is to be allowed for the completion of this great work, but in the interim the Do minion is bound to open a local line into the Pacific colony, and to clear the road for or dinary wheel and baggage traffic from the head lakes to the coaßt. The annual expen diture is to be two million dollars.

The revenues to the 31st December justify the Chancellor's favorable views that the estimates will be exceeded, probably yield a surplus of a million. In the libel case between Rubey and Sam son v. Albert Grant, the jury found the Times articles libellous, but the charges against Rubey were not proved. They awarded £,'SOO against Sampson, and acquitted Grant of having instigated the articles in the Times. That journal expressed astonishment and in dignation at the disclosures made. The ship Timaru has on board 200,000 salmon eggs frozen in an ico box for f'tago.

The Tintern Abbey takes out 1,130 living birds for Canterbury, New Zealand, includ ing blackbirds, thrushes, starlings, gold finches, redpoles, linnets, and partridges. The Bessemer, saloon steamer, made a suc cessful trip from Hull to Scarboro and back. A speed of eighteen miles an hour was at* tamed.

The obituary includes Admiral Harding, formerly commanding the Australian station, and Bushe, the cricketer, who came out with Grace's team.

FRANCE.

The peace footing of the army is fixed at 480,000 men.

The budget of 1875 shows a deficiency of eighty-eight and a half million francs. The Press is warned that the most strin gent measures will be taken against any newspaper presuming to attack the Assembly or the President.

The committee in liquidation of Napoleon's claims on the civil list proposed to give his heirs four million francs, the state retaining the museums of Piorrifonds aud of Fountaine bleau, and the pictures and works of art.

GERMANY.

The German iron-clad fleet is to be raised toeigbtfrigates, six'corvettes two monitors and batteries. When completed these will render Germany the second maritime power, and give her a complete ascendancy in the Baltic. The Bishop of Padesborn has been deprived of bis See by order of the Chief. Ecclesiastical Court

The number of Catholic priests fined or imprisoned amounts to 1,500. Miss Kingstone, Berlin correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, has been again sum moned before the criminal Court to give evidence respecting the sender of certain telegrams to that paper.

(Per Press Telegram Agenoy.)

Sir Bartle Frere has been created Com panion of the Order of St. Michael and St.

George, for services.as Commissioner in the inquiry respecting the treatment of emigrants in British Guinea and Mauritius. With tbe view to ulterior proceedings, Mr Cobbett still persists in his attempts to obtain from the Governor of Millbank Prison a copy of the warrant committing Arthur Orton, failing that, to recover £100 penalty for refusal. Mrs Petersen still shows fight. Her father has summoned her before the Police Cou-t for abusive and threatening language. She having refused to relinquish, the tenancy of a house after notice served, the 1 mdlord sent men to take away the "doors. These p.isons she assaulted, and, beir-g summoned, was sent to prison for 14 days. The leading Nonconformists of Glasgow have resolved to found a National Associa tion to promote* the abolition of the state Otmrch of acotlond. Ample funds are _.orth coming. . . Mr Gladstone's announcement ot his in tention to retire from the leadership, has created g*eat consternation in tbe Liberal party ; after 42 years of a laborious public life the ex-Premier thinks he is entitled to repose, and intends to devote himself to his favourite literary pursuits. # Trie paper on Bishop Patteson, in the Quarterly Revieio, was written by Mr Glad stone. ~ Numerous aud severe railway accidents are reported from vaiious parts of England. At Ryland a number of persons were injured and much rolling stock destroyed. 'Ihree miles f ; om Glasgow 17 persons were mutilated. , , A great number of fire 3 are reported from different parts of England. On sth Janua-y, eight colliers perished at Aldwark main colliery, near Dudley. Fatal boiler explosions, arising from freez ing water pipes, have occurred at Chartley, Fallwood, and other places.

OHINEMURI.

MACKAYTOWN.

(PER STAR CARRIER PIGEON.J

(Prom our Special Correspondent) Yesterday.

There is great excitement here about hearing the claims to the Prospectors Reserve. A large crowd is collected. Th. Warden said, in order to shorcen the enquiry, it was arranged that e_.eh applicant shouid send ia a writ en statement, giving tbe date of d seov.ry. They would be bound to ihes-j statements, and could call evidence to substintiate them.. Tnorpe and patty, Smith and party, and Brand and parcy handed in application?, but Lo&an's party and Pat O'Neill were not pre pared, aud the Warden adjourned the- matter until 'two o'clock, and banded back the applications. . ■-'._,. Capt. Fraser was loudly cheerea by the men for his straightforward manner of deal ing with the applications. The plan gave geneial satisfaction. Lo.-ao, who had been in Auckland col lecting documentary evidence, has just rid den up. He is supposed to have tbe best chance

4 p.m. The hearing of the case continued all after noon. Logan's case wai the firat one taken, lie claimed through discoveries alleged to have been mide by bis mate, Thomas Harden, in 1863, during a prospecting expedition from Mercury Bay to Tauraaga Harden deposed that he told Logan of his discovery two and a-half years ago, and had sold some gold from the claim to Mr. A lexand^r. jeweller, Auckl-nd. List October he found gold, with a mtive, and applied to Mr. Mackay to aid them in getting a case. Mr. Mackay wanted them to tak_> Thorpe in, which he refused to do. Biird claimed to have discovered gold, as far back as November, 1868, after an ex tended pros pec b througa the district. When he made the discovery oa the reserve he s»w no signs of work there. Coleman and Smith claimed to have found gold on the reserve in 1869, acd to have crushed several small parcels. Thorpe claimed from September, 18GS, and it i 3 understood that an aniaL>ama*.ion has been effected be.we.-n them aud Smith and Coleman. Mr Mackay gave evidence refuting the statement of Harden, andabo relative to portions of the testimony given in support of the other claims.

The latest.

The Warden's Decision.

Mr Thorpe gets the Claim.

MACKAYTOWN

This day, noon,

The Warden has given his decision re the Prospectors Claim. He decided in favour of Thorpe and the native, and told them to man the ground at once, and if possible show the men on the field that there is gold and no mistake on the claim.

There is nothing new ; no fresh discoveries have been reported, but it is hoped that, now the dispute over the Prospectors' Re serve has been determined, the men will settle down to work.

(Just befere going to press, we have re ceived, by pigeon, a full report of the hear say of the case, before the Warden, but too late for publication.)

EAST TAMAKIRACES.

East Tamaki Head Race 3, to be held on St. Patrick's day, promise good sport if the num ber of entries for those races which have al ready closed is any criterion. The Maiden plate has Bix nominations : Sybil, 3yrs, Moore, oyrs, Blackberry, syrs, Cobweb, 4yrs, Indian Warrior, aged, and Daniel O'Rourke, 4yrs. Not knowing much about the merits of any of these dark ones it is almost impossible to select the winner ; but 1 should advise my readers not to take too many liberties with Daniel O'Kourke, or Blackberry, as the former will be in very good condition, and the latter hails from a very dangerous stable, Mr O. C. McGee's.

For the Hurdle race there are seven nomi nations, consisting of Stranger, syrs, list 51bs; Postboy, aged, 12st lib; Rifleman, 6.rs, list sibs ; Moose, syrs, list sib_; Highflyer, aged, 12st lib j Faughaballagh, 6yrs, 12st lib ; and Gamebcy, aged, 12sfc lib. Some of these horses are known to the sporting public.. The horses are to be rid den by members of the Pakurangi TELxmt Club, or by a member of some established racing club in the Province. This will be a good race and will bring, I hope, some of our young blood to the fore. Moose will be remembered as having run very forward at cwr late Auckland meeting for hurdle race and steeplechase, in fact he ran second in each. Old Highflyer ran pretty well also in steeplechase, and after wards won a match over the same ground against The Arrow. Gameboy will be remembered as the winner of the hurdle race last autumn, beating ]\£ount, Middy Ashore, Sultan, and one Or two other good horses. Faugh-a-ballagh is a* maiden and own brother to Moore, but I do not think he is forward enough in condition to beat Game boy and Moore, with such a lump of weight as 12st lib, and shall pin my faith to these cracks, giving the preference to Moose.

For the Pakurangi Handicap we W~" >> horses engaged, includintgone or two it known performers at an r_j£^C_try _, Pa T. e * These are Eclipse, Dam. c _t p °& Daybreak, and Pakura-t^ -'^.a^ - j*»» Plum, and Indian' Warrior «_^ewasi)}*,' '■ to turf honors. As the weights are out, I cannot advise what to do, but iffljf handicapped it ought to be a slashing!.^ between Pakuraugi, Warwick, and t)f§|l It is not much use handicapping Eclip^7' his owner invariably run. him with two three stone over his proper weight. IJ* pose be does not care about his hq_s\gW nin . as ling as he sf es his name ia prii_t' For the Ladies Purse there, are six _L, inations : Warwick, Daybreak, * clipse gu lark, Dainty, Indian Warrior and Long |)rjv ttiis ia a weight for age race, with gentle^ riders up. So we shall once more hav e „ chance of seeing sc-me of our lftrd riders to the fore, for this race I shall expect to «_« Dainty or old Warwick in front. IjJ there are lots of ponies intending to raafoj the Pony Pace, and I shall strongly r e __m mend all those who are really fond ofadav'g sport not to mis 3 thi3 opportunity. 1 see by advert sement that the p.s. Manaia has fen chartered to carry excursionists. By..,ty, route passengers will be landed on: the Tamaki wharf within a stones throw of the racecourse, for the small sum of three ghi[t

lings

(PER STAR CARRIER PIGEON.) WAIV.ERA (Hot Springs)., This day, 2 p. m ; A steamer in sight. All dyirgfor news Nothing fresh since yes'eiday. JNo __.e____,'

POLICE COURT.- This Day.

(Before Thomas Beckhsm, Esq., RM.j, Is TIIS GUTTER. A respectable looking person called Miry, was brought up again for being found drank an I incapable last night ia Liverpool-_tf. e j. where- met with the timely assist __.cc': 0 f Constable Clarke who rais.d her from hat Derilous position. * fined 10s and costs. .NSAXON.

Martin O'Dwyer, an old man was,charged under the Vagrant Act, with using unseemly language, tending to provoke a breich of the paacein Crburg street on the 13thinstant. Prisoner pleaded guilty. Mr Inspect ir Thompson said the language used b/ the prisoner wis very had and within the heating of feimles who were pass in». Hi had been convicted of drunkanes. and larcmy. H.s Worship ordered a fine of 493 and costs or fou.t_.en dajs' imprisonment. j y GLASS AND GROG. Waddle Scott, who was brought up a few days since on a charge of drunkenness, was: a_?ain brought up on- a similar charge, and with breaking four squares of glass, value 12s, the property of Mrs Bute, of Went Que-n stt e_-t last evening. -' The prisoner, who appeared exceedingly merry, said, '• Qiite drank, your Worship, awfully drunk." His Worship thought the prisoner was not quite right. He bad stated he was. a trash man, but it was more likely he was a a run. away sailor. Prisoner, who appeared to be suffering from. delirium tremens, acknowledged to Smashing the glass in consequence of taking grog. His Worship : You are far too lively for tbe colony. , _ Prisoner : I am, I am, your Honor, ha.;

I'll fork out and p*_y the damage. . y 2 Hi*s Woiship : I don't know that'you will :'.. get off so easy ; you must go to prison for .o_ie months. ._ ■■...,.;.. Prisonei : That's well, your Honor, it will

do m. good, and be a lesson t) m<». Llis Worship: Y-u will have to pay a fine of £5 and 16s damige, and if not paid forthwith you must go to prison for two y. months with hard labour. Piioaer bowed gracefully, and sfceppsd M nimbly out of Court. VIOLENT ASSAULT. . ' " !. -' Henry Pettifc, a youn_» man who had just come from the Bay ot Islands by the Roweaa** was brought up on a charge of violently as saulting Mrs H. Cornford with intent to rob ;, her, on the 26th December last. A portion of the particulars of the case vm reported in the Evening Star ab tha time of the o-jcurreace. . , The prisoner pleaded guilty, but as the - case was represented by Mr _ Inspector d Thompson as a very bad case, it was re manded until Monday next, in order that witnesses may- be present, and the real cir cumstances disclosed. WILD -LITTLE PAT. . Patrick Molloy,-"senior, the-father of .the ', wild lai who his escaped several times from the Training Ship, appeared in Conrt and expressed his willingness to contribute towards the support of. his truant son. Re could only pay out of his limi-ed means two shilling and sixpence par week, which was accepted. This was all the business.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST THAMES NEWS.

GRAEAMSTOWtf.

(From our own correspondent.) m Tnis day. The Body of Mr Porter Found. .V ■■■ The body ot Mr Porter was found floating | about four miles from Grahamstiwa. Mac- Cauley and two boys, out fishing, s»W. I something floating up the Firbh with the tide. They went to it. and found the body otrQmi The boots are off, coat and vest, as lfhehaa attempted to swim. The face is much swollen and covered with blood. The body was towed in and conveyed to the Bay View Hotel, where au inquest is proceeding this afternoon.

aerious Accident. This forenoon Robert Fox was dangerously injured in the Queen of Beauty. ■".;*■■ working for the contractors when the stun fell from the wall and crushed his arm anU leg. The manager had warned the men W their danger. One or both limbs will have to be amputated.

TAURANGA.

(From our Own Correspondent.) . This day.

A reouisition to* Sir George Grey 13 u be!v„ numerously and influential^ signed by tne European electors, under the auspices ot Mr John Chadwick. Another from the Maoris and natives of Maketu aud East Coast electors will also follow.

LATEST SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS.

WELLINGTON. (From our own Correspondent). This day. The Post last night has a very bitter attack on Dr. Buller in connection with his eleva tion to the Order of St. Michael and St. George.

CHRISTCHURCH.

(Prom our own Correspondent.) This day. , Horses for Dunedin Races. . : Templetou, Hercules, and Elfin King l«»X___r for Dunedin to-morrow.* The parties con nected with the two former'are svngame about winning the Dunedin Cop, with one ot the two firs, named. •_j_____i*ll-_______ Tnursday's Fire. L lm After the fire on Thursday,sjg_,t had been, thoroughly put out, as it was supposed, and. the brigade had left the place in charge of the police and watchmaD, it was discovered that the roof of McCtomeU'B store > nej£t

«K1 fmlllili, SATURBAt. MAE(JfI 15, 1W



TpUBLIC NOTICE. AUCKLAND WATER SUPPLY. In consequence of the scarcity of water, and, therefore, the danger threatened by fire arising from •wooden buildings, the Corporation have given notice for the removal of those which are considered the most dangerous—amongst others, that now occupied by Samuel Coombes, 80, Queen-street. Tenders are now invited for the removal of the present wooden buildings, and the erection of brick in their place, the sale can therefore only continue for one more week, and during that time the goods, which are so well-known for quality and durability, Trill be sold cheaper than ever. On and after MONDaY, 15th March, the premises, SO Queen-street, will be sold, and the entire business carried on at No. 92, Queen-street. SAMUEL COOMBES, City Clothing Mart. * /"V __/ 'T ' V H ALL. HATS ' CLOTHING, __,„._,_ PRIMS, DRESSES. C,AEPETB' FLOOR CLOTHS, CHINA MATTING. MILLINERY, •UNDERCLOTHING, BABY LINEN. AT COST PRICE, effeot a Clearance for extensive alteration ol premise*. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, CITY HALL _____-__. (JEWING MACHINES. DEMOLITION OF THE FITTING SHOP, VULCAN LANE. Having received notice to quit on account of refunding, I wiUCLE^R OUT part of my Large fetock of FIRST-CLASS SEWING MACHINES At Wholesale' Price. • The Largest St*ok in New Zealand. yp|l.CE3 UANGE lEOM tQ» TO «78 GEO. W, HESLOP, Proprietor. I



XTTE HAVE, RECEIVED Per S.S. Hero, . THREE OASES o_? - BLACK AND COLOURED SILKS, Purchased a Job in London by our Mr Grahnm. Ver Tfce ENTIRE LOT will bo disposed of at , SELLING-OFF PRICES ! . J. COSGRAVE & CO.