SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

• ■ ;■£ HIGH WATER : This evening, 10.35 to co row morning. 10.54. SUN SET : This evening, 7.12 ; SUN EISE: to morrow morning, 5.15 * . MOON'S aGU : Last Quarter, 30th, 6.12 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

j wave, tmg, from Lyttelton Bast Lothian, bai qua, from Lyttelton •fcditb Boss, barque, 454 tons, Harding, from New - r York ' >. Ladybirtf, s.s, from the South, (in theManukau)

DEPARTURES.

Merlin, schooner, for Waitaia PROJECTED DEPARTURES. For the Poath— < adybird, s.s, on arrival of San Francisco Mail ■ For the Thames - Luna, pa, Thursday i, F--r New York— Ayr, barque, early For Honolulu and San Francisco Macgregor, s.s., 19tn February For London-Glenlo^a ship, Jnngfrau, barque, early For Oalle—dssiye. ship, at once For Sydney—Mikado, s.s, on arrival; Hero, s.s, 7th February

VESSELS EXPECTED

Mikado, R.M.s,s, from' San Francisco, about SOfch instant . Papua, schooner, from Rarotonga, early Invererne, ship, from London; sailed October 30 Anßzi, barque, f rem London ; sailed October 28 Rapido, barque, from New York, via Adelaide Chanticleer, brig, from Hobart Town, early : Magellan Cloud, from Lyttelton, early Byno, brigantine) from Rotumah, early .Helena, brigan'ine, from Lyttelton, early . i Jungfrau, barque, from Wellington, earty - Mem<nto. barque, from Newcastla, early Fai lie from Lyttelton, early ■ - Lady Franklin, barque, from Newcastle; sailed 4th instant Martha, barque, from Russell, early Mary Melville, rchooner, from Napier - Prince Alfred, barquentine, from Noumea, early Ada, b -rque, from London ; sailed Mov 24 India, ship from < ondon ; sailed Nov 24 Hero, s.s, from Sydney, early Wong* Wonga s.s, from Sydney, early Fiery Cross, schooner, from Oamaru, early Bella Mary, barque, from Hobart Town, early

IMPORTS.

Per Edith Rose, barque, from New York:—-20 kegs i nails, 9,000 cases petroleum oil, 1,000 cases spirits"ttf turpentine, 323 barrelsj-osin, 100 barrels plaster pariß, 10 bales brown shirtings, 10 bales brown drills, 75 boxes axes and picks, 200 dozen washboards, 200 boxes clothes pegs, 17 bundles pails, 550 cases chairs, Arnold^ Hities and Co. —"W. "W. Goodhue, agent.

EXPORTS.

Per "Wellington, for Southern Ports:—For New Plymouth—2 packages (under bond), Jervis; 1 case, Kempthorne and Co; 40 packages, Owen & Graham; 1 case, Sharland; 1 case, Close Bros.; 1 bag, "Winks and Hall; 1 case, Stephenson; 2 packages, 6 oars, Anderson and Co; 7packages, Nathan and Co; 1 case, Clark and Son; 15 cases, 1 Cawkwell; 1 v trunk, Ireland Bros.; 2 cases, Levy and Co; 1 cask, at Seccombe. For Nelson—l package bunds, Busby; 1 {.'" parcel, New Zealand Insurance Co; 5 packages, Sash .;■,"• and Door Co; 1 bale, Ireland Bros. For Pioton —2 '". parcels, S. S. Union; 2 cases, MoArthur, Sheraand Co. For "Wellington—l package, Jervis; 2 boxes, Henderson and Co; 13 bags potatoes, Jakins and Wilcox; 1 J£-cask, Cawkwell; 1 case, Kempthorne. Tor Lyttelton—l case, Peacock. For Port Chalmers— 18 packages, Kempthorne and Co; 16 empty hhds., Beid; 7 pockets hops, Lusk; 96 sacks potatoes, Wil son.—Combes and Daldy, agents. V..'■'. ' The brig Drover is discharging her coals into the hulk Cantero. It has been found necessary to carry out extensive to the keel of the schooner Advance. Messrs Sims'and Brown are doing the work at the North i Shore. |S? The barque Edith and Rose, whose arrival we eS / noticed last night-, has had a very uneventful voyage -: from New York, which port she appears to have left three' days later than advised by telegram, which reduces the length of her passage to 126 flays. She V"■ ;■ crossed the equator 33 days out, in 31° 30'W. She ; had strong breezes to the Cape, and was 28 days from there to the meridian of Tasmania. The Three Kings were sighted on the-19th instant. On Saturday - - the Edith Eose sought shelter in a gale under, the lee -*, of the Great Barrier, so that there is no doubt she ■was the vessel reported by Captain Trayte of the .'.. . Edith. The Edith Bosewill be unloaded and des^ .*U^ patched back to New York, with a cargo of kauri „ gum, with the utmost despatch, by her charterers, ;j Messrs Arnold, Hines and Co. Mr E. Coombes is superintending the loading of ; ; the barque Ayr, and Captain Nearing is, we under >: i" stand, to see to the discharge and loading of the Edith Eose. "We may expect some sharp work in ■' • both cases. The following are the saloon passengers of the s.s. Wellington who booked at Onehunga yesterday, and ■whose names were not given yesterday:—Misses Roberts, Humphries, Leech,- and Garlfck, Mr and . Mrs Henderson, Mr and Mrs Wilcocks, Mrs Brewer, ■ jun. The cutter Hero has cleared at Onehunga for Kai • para with general cargo. A. Barnes is agent. v The ship Assaye. dropped down to the Heads this ; but the wind shifting into the North, she •:- : ~ was compelled to drop anchor. She will sail on the first slant for Galle. i ; The schooner Ocean is putting out 20,500 feet of .timber from Mercury Bay. The schooner Golden Isle has cleared for Russell in : v V ballast. The brig "Wave and the barque East Lothian arrived from Lyttelton this afternoon, with cargoes of bread %■ f ■ stuffs, the first named cqmeß to Mr D. H. McKenzie.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as pollows :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow, at 10.20 a.m. For Coremandel, this day, at 5 30 p. m. For Waiwera and Warkworlh, per Lady Bowen, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and Warganui, to-morrow, at lpm. For Taranaki, and Southern provinces, per Lady bird, to-morrow, at 5 p.m. For "Wanganui, per St K.ilda, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m, 1 For Australian Colonies, per Mikado, six hours alter ■ arrival (Signed) S, B. B:ss, Chief Postmaster.

DEATH.

King—At Victoiii Quadrant, on 2Cth icst, John King: aged 41. JChe funeral will leave his late residence, to nffcrrow (Thurtd^y), at ip m. Friends are respect full/ invited to anend.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1875

« .'■•'■* For the cause that laalcs assistance, For the wrong that nouds rusistauce, Tor the future in the distance. And the good that we cau do.

There can be tyranny tinder law as well as under personal Government; and the most arbitrary and tyrannical outcome of legisla tion with which we are made familiar, is contained in the Customs' Regulation Act of 1858. We - had a taste of it in the seizure last week of Mr Conroy'a vessel, the Dauntless, but a perusal of the whole of the clauses of that Act produces some very queer ideas of the liberty of the subject amid our boasted liberal institutions. There is no question that defrauding of the Customs revenue is an offence extremely difficult of prevention, and that nothing less than the most stringent enactments can overtake the practices of smugglers. But in this determination to meet every subterfuge resorted to by daring and reckless men, the' law contains pro visions which may involve the guilty and utterly innocent in common ruin. What are common mortals to think of a law which provides that " every person who shall be on board any ship or boat liable to for feiture" for breach of regulations "shall i forfeit the sum of £100, and every such per son may be detained to be dealt with as hereinafter directed." Such a provision is simply the suspension of men's rights and liberty, and placing the subject at the feet of the mercy, or it may be the arbitrary will, of the person charged with the execution of this infamously tyrannical Act. By it a man may be wholly unconscious of offence; he maybe a mere passenger by the offending ship, nevertheless he is liable to fine and im prisonment, and his protection is hot in the law but in the compassion of the Commis sioner of Customs. Such a reign of personal authority is, to say the-least, not in accord ance with our ideas of personal rights, and of the protection which the law is supposed to extend to the innocent. And yet this most barbarous provision ia but one of a dozen simi lar one-Bided enactments guarding the position of the Crown in the matter of Customs revenue. The seizure of the Dauntless in another case in point. Mr Conroy, the. owner, knew nothing whatever of the transaction in tobacco. The goods were taken on board, concealed, manipulated, and landed while the owner of the vessel was away and utterly unconscious of the proceedings of his hired servant. Yet, Mr Conroy's vessel is seized and forfeited to the Crown. It may be law, but may we be hanged [if it's justice; and more, it is not safe that the rights of men should thus be at the mercy of any man as Commissioner of Customs. But further, if this is law, what value is there in ship pro perty ? What security is there for a man to invest in a share of a veßsel ? what security to the man that lends money on such security? Let the man that is wil fully guilty of offending against the Customs regulations be punished by fine manifold, by imprisonment till he is gray^ by decapitation, if the Draconian spirit of the Custom-house demand it, but no legis lation will eVe^make it other than robbery if an innocent man liko Mr Oonroy loses his vessel, which, for anything we know to the contrary, may be his all. We have little doubt the Crown will forego the prize in this case. The actual forfeiture would fee inch

an ontrage on the simplest principles of justice that it would hardly be ventured on. But this does not affeeb the case, and we protest that it is intolerable that any man in the position of the Commissioner of Customs, raised to power by the accidents of party intrigue, should have it in bis hands to decide whether or not au innocent man shall be robbed oi his property* Certain it is tbat had the defendant in this case availed him self of the option provided in the 189«>i section of the Act, and bad the case tried in the Supre.me Court, there is not a jury ii: New Zealand that wou'd have consented to a verdict; which would have «iven the power of robbing Mr Couroy <f his vessel Th< po-sil ility of such fo feature ia sufficient to arouse public iniign ition, ii ! groat intere*! will now. attach to the evolution of events in relation to the Dauntless.

An excellent commentary on mining is furnished in the report of this morning's meeting of the Kuranui Company, published in another column. There have boen 2,822 ozs of gold produced fr0m4,004 tons of stuff. There have been in addition £3,374 received for crushing other people's quartz, making £10,128 of receipts to the Company. And it is just all gone in expenses. As near as possible the receipts and expenditure square, and the books are clean and nice for another start. We do not know how it; is, nor is it anybody's business to enquire. The Company is contented a.nd so are we. But we really cannot help thinking what a lesson it conveys on the business of mining. Here is a mine that has yielded, say, an ounce and a half to the ton. And it has received half as much more for crush ing for others, and there is nothing to show for it all. We do not know what is to blame; we do not suppose anyone is to blame ; but there it is. Where this is the result in rich stuff,, what is to be expected from the poor ? They tell us that fractions of pennyweights pay elsewhere. Surely there must be something expensive in the New Zealand way of working, or the balance sheet of such a mine as this would not pre sent two sides level.

Another illustration of the truth of the old axiom about the " course of trite love," has occurred within the last few days in City West. A mim of sober years living in Franklin-road has for some months been paying court to a lively little lass of sixteen summers, and who professed to reciprocate his affection. In fact, about three weeks ago she promised to have him. Ho was over joyed at the confidence of that small heart in his manliness, and accordingly the wedding day was fixed for Monday, the 25 th insfe. A cottage was taken, of the young girl's choice,_ in Grattan-atreet branching off from Sheridan*street, and was neatly but not gorgeously furnished, but sufficiently comfortable for a happy p3ir, of modest requirements. The wedding dress was made, and when fitted on, the little girl of sixteen danced and literally Bcreamed with joy before the bright mirror. "Mamma," she exclaimed, "shan't I make a handsome bride, eh?" The mother kissed her Dora, and replied, "Yes, child," and the wee thing danced again. The wedding cake was ordered at Woodward's, and the golden ring fitted the finger. Every thing was arranged, and even the minister received notice of the fatal business. The little merry creature, however, the exact prototype of Dickens' "Dora," David's child-wife, wished to visit some friends at Panmure, before settling down in life, and making pastry. The devoted man consented on condition that she returned on Saturday or Sunday in time to fake the bride's position on Monday. "Oh yes, love," said the fairy form of the enchantress," and "Do, love, meet me at the train at such a time TV The poor fellow went) but Dora was not there, tie watched every incoming train from Satur day until yesterday morning, but no Dora ! He could not work; it was no use trying, and yesterday he hired a conveyance and went to Panmure in search of the fair fugi tive, who was not to be found. He returned last night broken-hearted and disconsolate. At midnight he was seen sitting on the step of the cottage door, with his broken pipe beside him, a symbol of his lorn condition. Friends, tried to cheer him, but he only looked at the silent moon, and sighed, " Dora is gone, the light of my life, the anticipated fairy of my cottage. What is life and all its once pleasing associations ? Dora is gone — gone !" We hear this morning that he is better, and likely to recover.

The parishioners of St. Sepulchre's will hold their annual church meeting this even ing, at half-past seven. The parishioners of Trinity Church, North Shore will hold their meeting at the same time at Trinity Church.

Among the best of this year's almanacs rank the Newmarket Almanac, lithographed at the Herald office. The Newmarket Almanac has a well-illustrated heading, com prising three provincial views, the most im portant of which is the Kawau, the island home of Sir. George Grey. These were sketched by Albyn Martin, Esq., well known as a patron of fine arts. As these almanacs may be obtained gratis on application to Mr J. H. Witheford, Newmarket, no doubt they will glady be received into every home. The Newmarket tradesmen have reason to be proud of such a respectable and cheerful looking advertising medium.

Relative to the Farnell soap and candle nuisance, "A Victim" writes:—"Sir,—l thank you for your plain and impartial article of Saturday on the I'arnell soap nuisance. That it is really injurious to health there can be no greater proof than the fact that Mr Allender has removed his own family away from the putrid and sickening odours, which generated on the establish ment, to a handsome residence at Bemuera, while we that intend paying our way and live according to our means are forced to reside on our own little property, secured by years of toil, with this pest-house in our midst. Now, sir, things have arrived at such a climax that the Government will either have to remove this foul nuisance or purchase the surrounding property. We are waiting anxiously for the Central Board of Health to meet."

There are a good many New Zealanders who cast longing looks towards Fiji. To the consideration of such we would commend the following extract from the letter of a resident in Levnka :—" Shonld there be a great rush of people here, as many persons think there will be, numbers of new arrivals will find themselves greviously disappointed. There is not, nor is there likely to be for a long time to come, any kind of employment for mechanics and artisans ; there are no trades or manufactures carried on, or likely to be, at present. Provisions are excessively scarce and dear ; house rent is very high, and all the available land for building purposes, in and about Levuka, is already in the hands of private individuals, who will not Bell except at enormously high prices, or let only on short building leases at heavy ground rental; and aB their is no brick or atone fit for build ing purposes, there is no work, or very little to be obtained for either masons or brick layers. There are some bricks now making at the Rewa, but the clay used is by no means of good quality, being too much im pregnated with mundic, which bursts into blebtj and holes during the process of burn ing, so that the bricks are of ho great value, and not likely to be of » lasting character."

The holiday time-table of the. Auckland and Onehunga Railway, prepared for the Regatta Day, appears in our advertising columns, from which it will be seen that trains will run at frequent intervals) and that a special train will be laid on for the convenience of the Wesleyan Sunday-schools, which hold their annual f§te at a paddock kindly placed at the disposal of the teachers by James Dilworth, Esq.»

At a meeting of the Diocesan Choral As sociation lastnight, Bishop Cowie in the chair, various rules were amended, including one making the minimum subscription from honorary members 10s. The following gentle men were elected members of the Executive Committee :—Revs A. G. Purchas; C. M. Nelson, R. 8. Hassardj Messrs J. Brown, Harker, Brett, W. J. Rees, and Hesketh.

At the meeting of shareholders in the Middle Star Co. yesterday, the directors report showed that during the half-year end iug December 31, 1874, the receipts were £27 17s 3d, and the expenses £91 10a. The repors of the mine manager was not encou raging. The retiring directors, Messrs S. E. Hughes, A. Nathan, and B. Levy, were re elected. n§ At the half-yearly meeting of the Middle Star Gold Mining Company, held last even ing, Mr Hughes in the, chair, it was stated that the amount received under the two tributes during the half-year was £27 17s 3d, while the expenses daring the same period of time had been £91 10s. Messrs Hughes, Nathan, and Levy were re-elected directors.

We learn that a rowing match (sculling) will take place on Saturday afternoon for £10 between W. Davis, of the Thames, and W. Marshall, formerly a waterman of this port.

The entiies for the Regatta will be re ceived to-nignt, at the Committee-room, Thames Hotel, between the hours of eight and ten.

The filling in of the inner intake in Mechanics' Bay has been pushed on by the contractor, Mr Lanagan, very fast lately, and the work is half finished. For some reason yesterday the work was discontinued.

Th.9 entertainment given by Mr Doran and his brother amateurs in aid of the widow of Joe Noyer was successful in rea lising the handsome sum of £32 4s. clear of expenses. To this has to be added the Rev. Charles Clark's donation of £2 2s, making the handsome total of £34 6s. A complete balance-Bheet will be published in a few days.

The Secretary of the Mount Hobson school committee intimates by advertisement in another column, that the girls school will be opened on Monday next, under an efficient teacher* In our notice yesterday of the annual meeting of this district it was erro neously stated that the boy's school was at Kemuera. It should have read Newmarket, the girls school is at Remuera.

The usual annual Wesleyan Conference tea meeting was held last eveniDg in the Pitt-street school-room, adjoining the Church. The committee of management had provided for a great gathering, but those who satdown to tea, only half filled the room, some of the tables being unoccupied. There was, as announced, a public meeting held afterwards in the Church, which was presided over by the Rev. James Buller, President of the Con ference. The president opened, the meeting in a happy little speech. The meeting was afterwards addressed by the Rev. Messrs Taylor (Dunedio), Fitchetfc (Canterbury), R-shworth (Westland), Richardson (Wel lington) and Berry (Wanganui).

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Thomas Beckbam, Esq., R.M.) MAGGIE AND DICK. Two aged drunkards, named Margaret Keenan and Richard Dick, were fined 10s each for being drunk last night. THE PROVINCIAL BARBER. John Thakaberry, who has acquired local fame as the hair-dresser of Eden, was brought up for the thirl y-third time on a charge of gratuitous acting in Queen-street, while in a state of semi-consciousness, brought on by the potent influence of schnapps. This irrespressible barber, whoße appear ance resembles that of "Strap," in Smollett's famous novel, bowed gracefully to the Court, and acknowledged that he was truly and unmistakably drunk. Constable Mulville was on duty in Queen street, meditating on things present and things to come, when his train of thought was suddenly interrupted by the jumpiag barber, and with a constable's regard both for the public good and the personal safety of individuals, like Thakaberry, he led him as a brother to the lock-up. Prisoner was fined 20s, or 48 hours. The barber chose the latter alternative. A STRBBT RUFFIAN. Laurence McGivany was charged with, being drunk and disorderly in Abercrombie street, yesterday, and with capering, and dancing, and swearing, to the annoyance and terror of the peaceably disposed in habitants of the said street. Prisoner pleaded drunkenness, -but was not aware that he had made use of the horrible language ascribed to him. William B'arrell and Celia Parrell, deposed to the ruffianly and barbarous conduct of the prisoner. Prisoner began to whine and express his , sorrow. He did not know what he said. Sergt-Major Pardy said the language used was not fit for the ears of the Court. Ordered to pay a fine of £5 or to be sub jected to one month's imprisonment. IN SLUMBER DEEP. James Mcllmoyle was charged under the Vagrancy Act, with having been found in " slumber deep" on the premises of Mr John Charles Pryke, of Ponsonby, on the night of the 26th instant. Prisoner said he was guilty ; he was a hard-working man, and. did not mean any harm. Things, however, looked suspicious, when it was alleged that Constable Clarke found the prisoner close to the hen house, and that the bodies of two fine fowls had been executed and picked. Prisoner, who had a "foul (fowl) look, said he knew nothing of the matter. His Worship said that, under the circum stances, he should commit him to gaol for four months with hard labour. WOUNDING A CONSTABLE. John Allen, a sturdy fellow, was again brought np on a charge of kicking and wounding Constable Walsh on the evening of the 16th inst. Sergeant Major Pardy stated that con stable Walgh, was still in a very precarious condition and unable to attend in evidence, against the prisoner. He handed in a medical certificate to the same effect. The prisoner was therefore remanded until Wednesday next. CITY RATES. Nine persons were summoned for non-pay ment of city rates. The Town Clerk intimated that aU the cases had been settled out of Court, with the exception of that of .Mr Arney, saddler, Victoria-street. Mr Harrop proved the case. Judgment for plaintiff. This was all the business.

THE REGATTA.

The plot begins to thicken as the day ap proaches, and the harbour, though in an infinitely remote degree, reminds one now of the banks of the Thames a few days before the University race. Yesterday evening several crews were out practising for the pulling races, and the harbour was quite smart with the quantity of sailing craft about. The Auckland Rowing Club's crew are not improved by the substitution of Provo for L. S. Caere. The former pmlls tfith all his old vigour, but he is sadly un steady and wants any amouDt of coaching.

He makes the boat roll very much. Dacre is better arid will probably row. The p.s. Manaia brought up the Thames compe|jitors last night, and their boats, consisting .of three outriggers and two gunwale gigs. The follow ing is a list of the Thames crews. Allcomers' Race, Naval Brigade crew—T. Black (bow)j l(kt 13lbs; R. Jsudick (2), 12st 61bs; T. Goldsworthy (3), list slbs ; H. Goldsworthy (stroke), lOsfc 13!bs5 Y. ravage, coxswain. Boat located at Firth's Mill. Grahamstown Club—X. Robinson (bow), W t Robinson (2), E. Robinson (3), S. Robinson (stroke), W- Robinson (coxswain). Boat at Carr's, Free man's Bay. Saucy Lass crew (private)—W. Lucas (bow), W. Mitchell (2), W. Dare (3), Alexander Jemieson (stroke), C. Everett (coxswain). Boat stored at Waymouth's shed. Amatiurs, Naval Brigade crew (Nonpareil)— W. Rowe (bow), J. Smith (2), T. Gavin (3), W. Cook (stroke), W. Landy (coxswain), Boat at Firth's Mill (the following crew is expected to-morrow night), Grahamstown Club crew—F. Sykes (bow)> A. Thomas (2), T. Nelson (3), J. Thomas (stroke), W. Gordon (coxswain). Two dingies have also arrived from the Thames to compete in the dingy race The Navals All-Comers crew were out at 10 o'clock this morning and went very fairly in the rough water. Barring accidents the race is considered a moral for them. The Amateur Navals were out at the same time. Though not a pretty crew they appear fast, though the rough water seemed to trouble them a little. The "family party" as the Robinson's lot are called, went out before the wind got up at 8 o'clock. We do not fancy them. There is not that uni formity about their rowing which one wonld expeGt from their close relationship. The other Thames crew we did > not see. Among the sailing craft, the most important movement this morning was the trying of the lona. She moved away from the Gore street jetty at noon, and had a good run up and down the harbour. She appeared to have a difficulty about staying at fii-3t, but she had ho flying jib set, and moreover we can easily imagine everything was not as Handy as it would bo. The general opinion about this vessel is that she is the outsider which will effect the sur prise if there is one in store. B>r appear ance is certainly taking. With well-rounded lines, she unites a capital entrance and good ruQ aft. She also spreads a good show of Canvass, and gets under weigh very quickly. The Peerless was still this morning lying leisurely in the stream. The Albatross is preparing for the fight in Freeman's Bay, where she is being cleaned and scraped. The Edith is rapidly discharging. She will probably wipe down to-raorroW. The new cutter Magic has been out once or twice and give 3 great satisfaction. For the second class cutter race there are expected to be eight or nine entries. The Petrel, the Heather Bell, the Phantom, the Avon, and Euphemia are all talked of as possessing chances. The little yacht Bismarck we see is Up from the Thames, and was out this morning. She is engaged in the smaller yacht race. Among the larger yachts, the Daphne has received a thorough overhaul and put out some of her ballast. The Secret has been taking in more ballast to-day. The Contrabaadiers has had an iron keel rixed to her bottom, about eight inches in depth. This will increase her tonnage about two tons. There is a rumour I that Mr Harris doe 3 uot intend to run the Albatross. We cannot say whether it is in consequence of this that Mr Niccol now challenges Mr Harris to match the Peerless and Albatross round Tiri Tiri on Saturday for '* £50 a-side. The schooner lona has been renamed the Acadia. To morrow we shall have the entries complete and shall be able to give our selec tions for the various events. Mr James Mackay's yacht, the Thames, was to leave the Thames this morning for Auck land, to take part in the large yacht race.

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE. -This Day.

MORNING SITTING.

The Conference was opened at 10 o'clock with the singing of .Hymn 391, after which the secretary read the Ist. chapter of the Ist. Epistle of Peter, and the Rev. Messr3 Rouse and Schnackenberg offered prayer.

The Hey. Mr Fitchett moved a resolution expressing the sympathy of the Conference with the Rev. Mr Brown, late of Samoa, in the new mission upon which he iras about to embark,

The ex-President presented the report of the sub-committee appointed to investigate the legal position of church propesty.

The ex-President presented the report of the subcommittee appointed to consider the proposed new basis and scale of allowances to supernumerary ministers and ministers widows. The recommendations of the com mittee were considered in order, and a vote of the Conference was taken upon each.

The Rev. Mr Bavin presented the report on the curriculum of probationers and candi dates for the ministry. A vote of the Con ference was taken on each clause of this re port. The. Rev Mr Morley read a resolution of the Wellington District Meeting, on the subject of the establishment of a Theological Institution for the training of candidates for the ministry.—The Ex-President, and the ministers of the Auckland, Onehunga, and Thames circuits were appointed a committee to consider the subject, and report to next Conference.

The Rev Mr Berry presented a report of the examination of probationers during the past year.

The Rev Mr Fitchett moTed that the Home Mission agents now employed, be in vited to send annual reports of their work to the District Committees, and that their names be inserted in the printed minutes, under the title of Home Missionaries. Carried. The following names were then received :—Thomas J. Jaggar, John S. Hud son, and Joseph Grey. The name of Henry Flainank was reserved nntil farther enquiry can be made respecting his position. The Rev. Mr. Morley read a recommenda tion of the Wellington district meeting re specting the Rev. Edward Neilson, a Nor wegian minister of the Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church of America, who-applies for admission into this Conference. It was resolved that for the present he be recog nised asja home missionary, and that he be authorised to administer the Sacraments, &c, to his countrymen. On the motion of tho Rev. Mr Morley, seconded by the Rev. Mr Rigg, it was agreed to send to England for four young ministers during the coming year.

The President was authorised to make arrangements for the ordination of Messrs Bond and Harper, oa his return to Canter bury.

The Secretary read the minutes of the Executive Committee of the Austraiasian Wealeyan Missionary Society. The Conference adjourned, at one o'clock.

THE ALLEGED SHEEP-STEALING AT POKEKOHE.

Johk Ogilvib and his Bon Alexander, far mers of Pukekohe, and formerly store keepers of Drake-street, Auckland, were charged at the Resident Magistrate's Court, Papakura, on Monday, before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R. M., with stealing certain sheep and lambs, the property of Joseph Scott.—Mr. Hesketh appeared for the defence.—Joseph Scott deposed : In September I lost three sheep and two sheep in November. They were ewes^ In No vember I went to Mr. Ogilvie to see about some sheep. Both the'Ogilvies told, me that they were going to brand next morning, and that I could come and look through the sheep. I did so. They then told me that the yard was too small to hold all the sheep, and that they had turned most of the ewes out, and that they had looked through the sheep carefully, and there were hone but their own. Neither shewed me a sheep that was locked up in a stable. In passing the

prisoners' farm on the following Sunday I saw a sheep wanderin&about, but it did not appear to belong to the flock. I went into the paddock and recognised the ewe. Mr Ogilvie, sen., came to me. I told him that 1 thought that was my sheep. I went to the farm the following day. Mr Ogilvie and 1 went through the flock until we found this same ewe. She had two lambs with her. 1 told him it was my ewe, and pointed out my mark Mr Ogilvie said it was his,—that he ad 25 sheep with the same mark. 1 explained to Mr. Ogilvie the difference be tween the two kinds of sheep, and also the difference in the ear marks. Mr. Ogilvie said when he got the sheep in the yard ag«n he would look through them more carefully and if he saw they were mine he would let tfe know. When leaving the yard I saw another ewe and lamb, which I recog nised as mine. I heard nothing from the Opiivies about the sheep. I went again to Ogilviea' for the sheep on the 16th of thia month, and was refused. I got a search warrant, and went with Constable Walker on the 19th and searched Ogilvies paddocks. Two sheep and one lamb were found, which I identified as my property.— William Walker, servant to the Ogilvies, deposed that he went mustering the sheep some months ago, and drove some of them from the direction of Scott's. When in the pen he caught a ewe and told both the Messrs O»ilvie that it was not ear-marked. They told me to put it in the stable. Witness told them that he believed there were some of Scott's sheep among the flock. He had noticed Pome of Mr Scott's sheep among them before this. When next he saw the ewe it was ear-mark 3d with a round hole in the right ear. He saw Scott at Ogilvie s house shortly after he put the sheep in the stable. It was in the stable when Scotb was at the pen. .Robert East, manager for Mr Scott, and constable Walker gave evidence, which closed the case for the prosecution.—For the de feDce Mr Hesketh called Messrs F.C. Lewis, (Inspector of Sheep), R. Kobertsou, and B. Harris, who also testified to the difficulty in identifying the sheep. - The Resident Magis trate considered that aprima facie case had been made out, and committed both the accused for trial at the next Criminal Sessions of £he Supreme Court. Bail allowed : them selves £100 and two sureties of £50 each.

KURANUI GOLDMINING COMPANY.

The annual meeting of the Kuranui Gold mining Company was held this morning at Mr Totll-ll's office, Shortland-street. Mr F. Wliitaker occupied the chair. About half-a dozen shareholders were present. The mine manager's report was read. This showed that a large amount of prospecting had been done, with little effect. H expressed the manager's opinion that the gold from the upper levels had been all worked out, and recommended that the prospecting be discontinued and the mine let oa tribute. The balance-sheet showed that the receipts weie made up of proceeds from gold (2,822 ozs. from 4,004 tons), amounted to £6,753 7s Id ; received for crashing, £2 967 8s 6d ; miscellaneous, £407 53 ; totaJ, £10,128 7a ; expenditure claim, £4,890 Is 7d ; battery, £5,071 Us 6d ; total, £9,961 13s Id. This, with overdraft from last year of £237 6s, swallowed all the receipts, and still left an overdraft of £70 183 6d. The statement of assets and liabilities showed a credit balance of £1,819 128 6d. It was proposed and seconded that the manager's report and balance-sheet be accepted. This was carried.—The retiring director, Mr Wilson, having been re-elected, and Mr Boardman re-elected auditor, the chairman declared the business at an end.

PEPYS IN AUCKLAND.

SAMTXEL 18 UXWELL

Monday, 25fch. — TJp at 10, and the Lord be praised, did make a tolerable breakfast, being the first time for many days. On Tuesday ee'night was taken with an internal disorder, which increased to the extent of my being coerced into total inactivity for the rest of the week. Mrs. Pepys did tell me on Thursday to bestir myself, for that it was none other than dyspepsia following on. a supper at the Club on the evening of Mon day. This I did deny with vehemence—though dyspepsia be a likely disorder for a Pepys— knowing how temperately I did behave myself in spite of the loaves and fishes which did belabour the tables, it being indeed a pretty spread, and my share no mora than two plovers, two plates of fowl with ham, a mutton steak served in tomato sauce, three custards, a slice of Canterbury cheese, and a bottle of Burgundy : whereat I stayed, being mindful of the debasement of gluttony; and this for sure that no man that eateth late riseth early. But in good sooth my bodily frame hath been Borely troubled, and my mind in dire appreheusion all the time, lest I should have taken the measles, which I hear are going about, assailing old and young in like manner: which fear when I did communicate it to my wife, she answered not kindly—" Hoity, toityj measles, indeed ! fiddle-sticks !" But her pity has been great and I have lacked nothing of attention for all she would not call in an apothecary which I desired, saying she would take the fee her self when I was well to buy the trinket I had forgot ; and I know : mighty well she will keep her word. In vain did I read to her from the Evening Stab, of the six bank clerks who could not observe their appointments with the fair from a like cause, when she leaped up, exclaiming that she supposed I was troubled upon the same grounds, and it was with difficulty that I could convince her to the contrary, the more so that my conscience did tell me that the reproach was not altogether unmerited. On Saturday cometh to see me one Mr Mercer, a worldy man, whom I do bear with because of his news which is always of the latest, though he doth talk overmuch. By way of cheerful talk he telleth me for certain that there will" be great stir among the mourning sellers and undertakers soon, by consequence of the change of fashion as regards funerals ; the undertakers averring that they will make no plainer coffins than hitherto, and the mourning sellers taking oath that if only part mourning is worn, and that for a short time, as some do recommend, they will cause the greater number of deaths to compensate them for their loss in the lesser quantity of crape vended, which seemeth to me impossible to be true, being indeed a most bloody-minded and murderous threat. He acquainteth me also, which I had not seen, that one, Captain Boynton, had perfected in England a dress in which he could voyage on the sea many days and nights, without a boat. He saith that there be talk of a monster meeting of shipbuilders, headed by Mr Niccol, to peti tion Parliament not to grant permission for the said apparatue to be used within the colony, the same being dangerous to their craft (by which I would not be thought to savour of flippancy in. . punning) : and a good story he relateth of an apothecary whom his banker did lately chide for " busting-up " without forewarning him, by which the bank hath lost some pounds ; and the apothecary did answer smoothily that it grieved him mightily that the cofferß of the bank - should suffer, and more that the manager should be discomposed, but that to make up to him for hia pain he would dis pense sarsaparilla to him and his household for the rest of his days at cost price. This did tickle me fairly, and the laugh thereat profited my health greatly So to bed in good humour and much better.

COLONIAL FIRING.

(FROM. OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.) [BY TELEGRAPH.] ._ | VOLUNTEER CAMP, THAMES, The Infantry Second Match. Yesterday, 3.45 p.m. Range Phizes. Highest score at 400 yards ~ £2-S Highest score at 500 yards .; _«:'|i Highest score at 000 yards 2 Match Pbizes. lstPrize £& Gth Prize ift - 2adPrize 11 7th Prize » - 3rd Prize 10 Bth Prize 5 1 4th Prize 2 9th Prize 4 sthPrize 8 10th Prize.... g.r t . This range (600 yards) is making a great alteration. Hatnlin missed hia first three shots, and the fourth shot was a centre., Ib ha 3 just been discovered that the new ammunition carries high instead of low. Skinner also missed his first shot, butig.^ now well on again, having made two centres close to the bulls-eye. Leigh is almost certain of a prize. He led off with a bulls-eye, followed up by two good ' centres. His score at the last range should 1: be 45, and Gilbert 47. Hay is completely off the target. Partin^ton is doing fairly. He missed'his first shot, but is now dead on again. Wilson, of Otago, is still leading. ' Skinner fell off very much at the last range, missing the target three times. How- ? ever, the good scores made at the two first ranges still gave him a show. Leigh is dead on, although he gave one miss. He finished with a fine score of 66 m the two last shots being bulls eyes. - - ' The firing in the match was a considerable , improvement on the last year, being nearly ( four points higher for all prizes. The winners' 1 last year were : Armstrong, Thames, 64,15t priza ; Hu-mphries , Taranaki, 63; Hamlin,' 1 Waiuku, 61; Cameron, Auckland, 60, All the others were under 50. An effort will be made to decide the winner of the belt by Saturday. Ihe generalimpression is it will remain in the North Island, notwithstanding Wilson's peiformance to-day. Greer, of Napier, made some good shooting at the last rauge, and is expected to come to the front to-morrow. The score 3at all the ranges were as fol lows :—

Cavalry : Fourth Match.—3oo y»ds. Ten shotp. Ties to be fired off shot for shot at the eaine range as the match. Names . Tl. ■ E. Keys, A.C., Ist prize, £o 2323323233-26 C. Johnson, A.C, 2ad prize, £3 3323330332-25 ~ . Lieut. Barritoall, Waiuku, 3rd, £2... 322223232£-». C. BarribaU, Waiuku ?2M3Sr Si J. Barribaii Wamku 2332W-M R. Bruce, Waikato 22325tS A.VonPoelneit Z ,A.C 2203222323-21 W. BarribaU, Waiuku °SK~"1li "W Mills Kangitibei 2322240233-21 J'Bk Waiuku —S T PrUpws a O 2332300332—il C BIakTAC 0243224220-21 -f j: Hedge, «xku:;;;:::::::: lieutenant Melsopp, Waiuku 3204230232-20 P. Connell, A.C 2220223223--W .-.. The first prize fell to Keya, with a score of 26. A tie between Lieutenant BarnbaU (Waiuku), and Johnston (A.C), with -» points, was fired off, and. resulted in favour of the latter, Lieutenant Barribaii thus taking third prize. Cavalry Fifth Match. —Kanges, 300, 400, and 500 yards. Seven (7) shots at coca Eange Peizes. Highest scorer at 300 yards • *J '- Highest scorer at 400 yards ••• . J Highest scorer at 500 yards .*...;•• Match Prizes. ■'«>■' lstPrize;, &1 1 3rd Prize ■.......« 2nd Prize 5| Fifth Cavalry Match. The Cayalry Fifth Match commenced thi« morning, and the 300 yards range was com pleted before breakfast. The other two ranges, which will decide the winner of tke . Cavalry Belt will probably be taken on . Saturday, in order to decide the winner ql^ each belt the same-day. ' '!; . The following were the scores at Bruce, Waikato \• ;- L J.Barribaii, Waiuku -•• 55 W. BarribaU, Waiuku ...,....■• *i ConneU, A.C •, •• \l ' Poelnitz, A.C •• di Keys, A.C •••• ji Johnston, Patea - x ,5 r| : Melsopp, Waiuku ; •• 15 . Hedge, Waiuku •• ■ uv . A. BarribaU, Waiuku 14 M. BarribaU, Waiuku. • •• ■ • U Lieut. BarribaU, Waiuku ""'■"- ilSimj: Mills,'Kangitdiei '"4^ii" 10 The Cavalry Championship- The following gives the position for the Cavalry Championship :— Poelnitz, 108»,.f* BarribaU, 105; Keys, 105 ; BarribaU, 1M 5 Lieut. BarribaU, 103; Bruce, 101; JQ1"1" ston^ 101. - • , The chanceat present is considered greatly in favor of A. Barribaii taking the belt. Third Infantry Match. The third infantry match i 3 now oh. Of the ten prizes won yesterday, seven were carried off by Armed Constabulary men. / The Advertiser says the betting nowisnot ' so strong; in favor of the Thames men. T^ 8 Otago team is rather the favorites, and if the province of Auckland has to give up the belt, it would prefer that Ofcs go rather any othar part of the colony should take it. The weather is beauti^uL There is »° .

'THE EVJcNWC^TAB^S^BAy! JANUARY 27, I»YS



400 500 600 '! 'M. Names. yds yds yes. Tl Wilson, Diinedin 27 19 23 69'- Leigh, Auckland.. 20 25 21 66"" Blythe, Kangitikei 21 23 21 65 ." Morley.A.C 21 21 22 64 Chase, A.C 21 18 2-f 63," Gallagher, A.O 25 21 17 63 Grant, Thames 22 23 ]6 62 Gascoyne, &.C....... 25 17 19 61 '..; Elder, A.C 21 20 20 61.-' Gilbert, A.C 25 20 16 61 Stonebridge, Westland 25 18 -18 61 , " Renouf, Napier 21 19 20 60 1 Sykes, Thames 23 17.20 '691S Sutton, jMarlborough 22 20 18 60 Partington, Auckland 25 17 17 59 - Armstrong, Thames 21 17 21 5911 McLean, Thames 23 20 15 58 Goldie, Dunedin 23 20 15 58:4= Blatch, Dunedin 17 22 19 58 ; ■ Murray, A.C - 22 20 15 57,.<' Hoskins, Thames 20 18 18 56'.-/ Campbell, A.C, 22 18 16 68 . •> Kingswell, Southland 20 19 14 56 I Fox, Canterbury 22 19 15 56 Martelli, Marlborough 20 17 18,. '55» Munyard, Westland 20 19 16 55 *' Johnston, Eangitikei 21 18 15 54 ' Richardson, Otago 23 16 15 54 \ Skinner, Auckland 24-20 10 'y&M Curtis, TaranaM 23 19 12 54 Gordon, Thames' 22 19 13 54 Bassett, Greytown and Masterton.. 23-19 11 53 ,: Christie, Otago 25 19 8- 52 | McIUbridge, Hutt 23 16 13 ; 68 ' ;« Day, Thames 18 15 19 52 Lieut. Soper, Tauranga 23 21 7. 51 ';, Morris, Oamaru 18 16 17 51:j^ HamliQ, "Nfciuku 23 19 : 9 51 Dundaa, A.C 23 16 10 49 McLeod, Thames 25 16 a.®-..* Heaphy, Westland 16 18.14 i3 Tomlinson, Nelson 20 19 9 48 '".: Fairbrother, Carterton 23 14 11 48 Chalken, A.C... 22JX1^ f. Hay.Auckland 22 17 8 47 „ Bluck,Waiuku 2315J *l i McKenzie, Dunedin :... 15 19 13 « Eyan,A.C 1* 18 14 «v Nelson, Thames 19 18 9 it- ... Koundtree, Wellington 20 13. 12 45 Purnell, Wanganui 22 17 5 44 I Greer, Napier 21 5 17 43 Grandy, Thames 13 14 16 43 Brown, Thames 23 13 7 43,;^ Fenton, Thames 19 9 15 ** Eobinson, Wellington 21 12 8 41 I Burns, Nelson 18 6 17 41 , Campbell, Thames 15 12 13 40 - Coleman, Waikato 15 20 5 40 Marshall, Dunedin 18 12 10 40 Thompson, Southland 21 14 8 w , Clark, Thames. 8 20 10 38 - McKee,.Thames 19 10 9 f McLaren, Diinedin 18 11 _j «• Murray, Thames 4 9 15 i»



"XT 0 T I C E. '.."' , The BANKS -will be CLOSED on FRIDAY, 29th I January, Anniversary Day, TJNION BANK OF AUSTRALIA. f [Established 1837.] PAID-UP CAPITAL ... ... £1,250,000 RESERVE FUND £400,000 - THE , HIGHEST OTXBRENT KATE OF INTEBES ALLOWED ON MXED DEPOSIT. . JOSEPH E. POUNDS, Manager. ri I T V H A L L. HAT 3, CLOTHING, PRI»TS, , DBESSE3. CARPETS, I FLOOR CLOTHS, CHINA MATTING. MILLINERY, ' UNDERCLOTHING, BABY LINEN. AT COST PRICE, To effect a Clearance for extensive alteration of . premises. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, v:., ■. . v CITY HALL. ■ I _■ /; .■.."•;■..;■ ' ■- /,*,*,,' To" the Ladies of > Auckland.—l have received from Xondon, per R.M.S. Cyphrenes, a beautiful, ' stock of Long length and Ringlet Hair, and shall be happy to execute orders on the shortest notice.— Tbanois' J. Shobtt, City Hair Cutting Booms, next Lewisson'B, Jeweller, opposite the^nion Banter "- The only Jeweller that c*n sell you a good Silver Hunting Geneva Watch, warranted, for £3 10s, is V. H. tewisson. Watch Maker, Queen-street, Auckland, opposite the Union Bank.—(Advt.) : •' The only Establishment that sell Dixon and Son's Electro-plate, and Russell and Son's Gold: and Silver Lever Watch*-", is V. H. Lewisson, Jeweller, 'opposite; ■ ' < the Union lank, next door to Shortfs Hair Cutting : Emporium.—(Advt.) . : - ' . - ■' ■'.- -'llf COFF RE I—Brown, Barrett, and Co.'s Standard Coffees both delicious and strong. Brown; Barrett, and Co.> Excelsior Coffee deserves preference to and , Coffee on account of purity and distinctness of flavour. Note the brand. Sold at almost every grocery es , tablishmentin town and province.—Advt.•••■■- Persons who wish to take advantage of the five per •ent discount allowed on F. H. Smith's Improved I?^ Bi; Poirt*!? c °J* M- Colonial Ovens. Home and Hnlp moves, 4c,, should do so at onoe so ai to save <U«app9totmt*t.-<A4Tt.) >



JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE UPPER QU.BEN-STREST. * RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN (LATS E, EoBBS), Have always on hand, a Large Stock 'to select from in every department. NEW FANCY. DRES3 GOODS, in great variety Grenadines, Muslins, Prints, &c. BLACK SILKS FURNISHING GOODS of every description Blankets, Quilts, Sheetings Muslin Curtains, "White and Brown lurkish Towels, Huckaback and Honeycomb Towels, &o. Tweeds, Serges , Brown Linen Drill, Striped Linen Drill, Gambroon, Corduroy, Moleskin, &c. STRAW HATS AT REDUCED PRICES. Boy's, Youth's, and Men's Clothing White Shirts, Crimean Shirts, Beits, Braces, Ties, Collars, Ac. HOSIERY OF EVERY DESCRIPTION, In great variety, &c, &c, &_&c RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, (LATE E. HOBBS.) Wholesale and Retail Dp.apehs, Clothebbs JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUBE, (Opposite tho Army and Navy Hotel,) Ty°WEP HENSON & •'" CO. JS CELEBRATED COFFEES, EXHIBITION BRAND, KAGLE BKAND, CROWN BRAND, Are to be procured at all respectable Grocen and Storekeepers throughout tho Province of Auckland. D. STEPHENSON & CO., W V N D H A M STREET, AUCKILAND.



We observe that Garrett Brothers, of Wakefield street, are sacrificing the remainder of their stock of boots and shoes, before removing to their new and commodiouß building.—[Advt.] 26 Gold Hunting Geneva Watches, warranted fo £7 10« Moh, to be obtained only »t F. H, Lewiwon'm JeweUwr, Qu»«wt»tet.-.(Adrt)