UNKNOWN

HIGH WATEE I Tbl_ evening, 11.13 ; to _r^ m£- nuig- ILIB «.i™.B^. This evening, 8.57 ; SUNRISE: to- MOQJTS AGE : First Quarter, 13th, 5 p m.

ARRIVALS,

-""""<i v»Mer,i__m w».ij._t. 0 (in tht Man i_au)

DEPARTURES.

_£, w *EOJEOTED DEPARTURE& For Wang_u Ul _. -, itada, s _, to-morrow -*or f-yoney and Melbourne Cvphrenes, ss, on amv_l For Honolulu and flan Francisco Macgregor, ss., 19-ii February For Lon-on-Gicnio>a ship, early Jfor£.yuel...n Flirt, biiganiiiie early *or Newcastle- J i ha ree, birque. early jsoi i*'>fd s - Bditb, and Ke.ilwortii, schooners, _, wlr *oi js h «, York—Edith Rose, barque, to-morrow -cor Uje south— fhcebe s*. early

EXPORTS.

-ur „• *a,me for !.__.___ _ud Wellington:—For WeUington : 2,500 cases kerosene, iIOO barrels rosin, 40 cas s churns, 1 pkge samples, 14,930 ft timber, Arnold, Hines & Co. For Dunedin : 1,5.0 case, kero sene, 1 case and 5 casks (weighing machines), 91 bar rels rosin, 1 pkge samples, Arnold, Hines & Co.—H. »• Meyers * < 0., agents. ■ Per Columbia, for Napier: 40,000 feet timber, C. A. Harris.—Master, agent.

THE S.S. PRETTY JANE.

_ _ne s.s. Pretty Jane is now lying sanded up in .Big River, where she Game to grief last week. She has been abandoned to the underwriters. The in surers are the New Zealand Insurance Office and the South British, who have accepted risks of £2,500 .?■___ .Tnese are, however, covered to the extent of £750, in the case of the New Zealand office, £1,250 in the Sonth British. The original cost of the boat to the A.S.P. Co. was £7000. Captain Clayton, Marine Surveyor, is waiting for the arrival of the company 'a steamer Southern Cross to proceed to the wreck on behalf of the New Zealand office. A private telegram, received thi. morning trom JVtrLodder, states that -tie water wasjjamped out of her on the 10th. Operations are suspended, because there are no appliances at hand to floss the vessel. The cost of repairs is estimated at £1 500. We understand that the under writers have everything in readiness to send down to the scene of the wreck This apparatus will be for warded by the Star of the South, wMch is now due from levuka, and is to leave on Monday, for Gis borne.

'_ The barque Edith Rose is to complete her loading lor New York to-night. It is intended by Messrs Arnold, Hines.and Co. to clear her out to-morrow, and she will then sail as soon as possible for her destination. The schooner Kate McGregor is loading timber at Wangapoua for New Caledonia. : The barque Bella Mary, according to latest advices received by Messrs Stone Brothers, was to have left Hobart Town about the Bth of this month. She is probably now on her way. _ _ The schooner Christina has finished discharged her timber. Her next trip has. not yet been determined upon.

he cutter Morning light sailed for Port Chalmers tins morning, with a few small stores. The schooner Dauntless has been subjected to a complete overhaul in her upper works and rigging. The latter has been "lifted" and newly seasoned. The vessell will be ready for sea on Monday. Her % destination has not yet been determined ou, but it is probable it will be New Caledonia. The ship Invererne, after discharging her cargo, •will proceed in ballast to Newcastle, there being no chance of her obtaining a guarantee of sufficient <; cargo to warrant her being laid on for London. The schooner Edith has entered out at the Customs lorßarotonga. She was to clear out this afternoon with a trading cargo, and sail immediately. The schooner Mary Melville is advertised to sail at once for the East Coast. She has been taking in , coals to-day from the barque Lady Franklin. She cleared this afternoon with the following cargo:—2 brandy, 1 do whißkey, 13 cases wine, 26 do geneva, 1 do drapery, 1 trunk boots, 9 cases whiskey, 3 do schnapps, 3 do drapery, 2 do spirits, 1 do chairs, 1 roll matting, 8 boxes candles, 2 y, chests tea, G cases wine, 1 do geneva, 6 rum, 3 caskß beer, 1 plough, 1 cask gingerbeer, 2 cases sundries, Nathan I. and Co; 2000 feet timber, McCabe ; 20 tons coals, Niceol; 25,000 feet timber (to be shipped at Mercury Bay), M. Nice.l (agent). We understand that there is-a probability of the . barque Martha being laid on in the Samoan trade. She has been purchased from Combes and Daldy by "jy Messrs Cruickshank and Co., with that object, the v - Kenflworth having been found too small to meet F;,: the requirements of the trade. We are always glad to hear of any extension of trade. The cutter Alarm, from Mangawai, is putting out E: - her cargo of gum and sleepers at the Gore-street 7- jetty. '■ ''■ V•" ■ , ({'""■ The schooner Columbia hauled away from the wood y... wharf to-day.' ; ;...'. . The barque Annie Lisle cleared at Dunedin on the ' Ist instant for Wangaroa. No advices-of her depar ts" tore have* been reoeived up to the present time, and ' : it is thought that her destination has been altered. ■**-,' . The schooner Coronet has had her rudder unship ''- ped to-day, for the purpose of having her iron "gudgeons" replaced by yellow metal ones. The barque Dilharree, having taken in her ballast, ■■■'. hauled away from the wharf this morning, and ; anchored in the stream. She was to clear out at the * Customs either late this afternoon or to-morrow I- s morning, and sail with the first fair wind afterwards. -s • '. The schooner Columbia cleared out to-day for

Napier, with a cargo of timber according to Imports, . She will sail to-night, or to-morrow morning.

< The barque Enipreza has cleared in ballast for \ Newcastle. She Ib to sail at once. She took up her

:/ position in the stream this morning. The schooner Fairlee cleared out to-day forWel _■ ■ lington and Dunedin, with, a cargo of kerosene, ;",' transhipped by Messrs Arnold, Hines and Co. from '. the Edith Rose!

; The schooner Bover cleaned out to-day for Gisborne and the East Coast, with a general cargo. She was ;: * to sail this afternoon. ■ * ■,""': The cutter .Dawn cleared outwards for Kaglan to [.- day,.at Onehunga. Cargo: 30 phgs merchandise, F-well; 2 bales, Ellis.; a.quantity of timber, 31 pkgs building materials, Gill, Adams and Co; 13 ditto sundries, Graham; 30 sheep, McLeod. Passengers: I W. Powell, McLeod, Mr Graham and family (2).—A. [ Barnes, agent. ■" ' - The Blue Nose, steamer, has arrived in the Manu kau from Waikato, to tow a barge round. j j The St. Kilda is detained till to-morrow.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Taubanga, This Day. I The Southern Cross left for Auckland at 11 o'clock - ■ this morning. _■

COLONIAL SHIPPING.

fAt the clcse of 1871 the following shipping was on the register as belonging to New Zealand:— Sailing vessels 312 of 21,568 tons Steam vessels 59 of 5,529 „ In British India and the Eastern Colonies, the num bers stood as under :— » Sailing vessels. 812 of 156,303 tons Steamers........ 98 of 24,492 „ - The largest shipping returns in the colonies are ob - tamed from the Dominion of Canada. In 1872 the census returns showed a record of 937,439 tons. This •makes Canada, the fourth maritime power id the world, the order of precedence being— ' -' Great Britain 5,751,327 United States. 4,318,309 France 1,042,811 Dominion of Canada ;. 937,439 —Nautical Magazine. ■ i ■"■ ' ' ' '. _.._

COMMERCIAL.

I \ At Mr R. Arthur's poultry and produce ; vale to-day, there was a good attendance. :', Fowls, sold at Is to 2s sd; ducks, Is 4d to j j 2_; tu.keys, 3s 6d". No geese entered. j Potatoes, 4s to 4s lOd ; onions, 3a 4d to 4a j 2d; apples and pears, Is 4d to 2s : .g-od jPolwese, Sd tp 6£d. Lite AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET. I Messes Huntim and Nolan's Weekly Rej?o-.t. •» ---;| ' -Horaes: The market has been but poorly Supplied, J'"•• but the.o has been tolerable dowand, .iliiwujik ax. W?; auction on Friday, the bidding was slow, and sover-i' | were w______wn for higher figures. The -hi)i/i:->-i «>i m^^m^^m^^m.z icio"i' i' e- i:*"" "n* f •'' heavy draught feloc.K^~*. t _;^-:Twt"^.m;<i-xyti_ offers: ■K. attracted much attention, ana "n-__y»Jp?#_^B^.v,,^w^ S^LAve been1 made, but the whole are held for. saf. .ijrN' ETi-auction. We quote hacks, from £7 to j_lf.: light rwk_tarhe»B horses, from j.15 109 to £M each. .-Cattle: _•' ';_-_->.- was a very good muster Of cattle und att-fic- Ev'.t___ce-0- briyers at Newmarket, on Tuesday. Good |! i ; __4ry cows were not sufficiently numerou_ for requlre r' roents, and are worth extreme values. Store cattle |*;,ThR tolerably represented, but there 1.-a pressing K-_____nt f and sellers __u__bt___ full values, particularly § for two and three-year olds. Fat cattle were in ample ? supply ; the bidding was spirited, at from 25s to 27s 1 6d per 100 lbs; dairy cows, from £8 to ill.; two-year j old steers, AH to £1 10s; three-year old steers, from £5 i to X. 12s 64. Sheep: There was a full market of J sheep; for stores the demand was not good, but fat j wethers were well competed for at from 2s 3d to 2s 6d pe_ 8 lbs. Lambs were in adequate supply, and sold I at from 8s to 15s each; fat wethers, from 15s to 23s 6d. I ■ Pigs: There was but a limited lot of pigs yarded, but 1 there was brisk demand. Good porkers realised 4>;d per lb dead weight.

CALLS AND DIVIDENDS.

,';: The following are the current calls and dividends yable in the companies named below:— IJ feVX".',;'. :■•■"■.'■■ ■"' ,: CALM. ;.".-;:j : y: ■■:■■., Hpyyy y.£ a. d. . .Date. . | Queen of the May • 2 o—February-. |; Centralltaly 0 1 o—Marcb 10 II lit*!- '.' ; ' ravrDEND. yr'" ■ I HI 0ak.................. 0 2 6 —February 14 a Hill :.. 00 8 — „ 16 1 Auckland and North Shore : Ferry Company 5% — due. I - Union Bask of Australia.... 18% — duej.'■ -V,. ■!'! llfe^:-%:^ 7,.y£r :*-:,■ :, ' 7> --' >"■ ':<'

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows :— . {for Thames, to-morrow, at 9.30 a m. Kor Mahurargi, Matakana, Maugawai, Waipu, &c, per Lady Bowen, to-m. rrow, at 10 a.m. ■'or Wanganui, per St Kilda, to-morrow, at 1 p.m. For Rarotonga, per Ediih, to-morrow, at 5 pm. For Javier and Gisborne, per-tar of the South, on Monday next f^or WhiiUngi, Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Southern Cross, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Fuasell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per Rowena, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. S'or the i__dernae_tioaed places per Macgregor, on Friday, 19th instant, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 10.30 a m. For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 10 30 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 9 30 am Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d will be. received by the M_il Agent on board up to time of sailing (Signed) S, B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

DEATHS.

OnBK.--On the 12th insta_t, Henry Clarke; aged 46 years. The funeral will leave his late residence, Shakes peare U.tel, Wyndham-street, od Sunday, the l.th insta_t, at 3p m. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Davis- On Sunday night, the 7th of February-, at Wellington, John Joseph Frederick Davis, ledger keeper Bank of New Zealand. The funeral will leave his father's residence, opposite the Wesleyan Chapal, Pitt street, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, the 14th instant.

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1875

For the cause that lacks assistnnce, _Y>r the wrong that needs resistance, *_* the future in the distance. And the good that we can do.

The slaughterhouse is something in the position of Sullivan of Maungatapu. All creation appears leagued to cast it out, and it can find no resting place. The history of this affair is the funniest possible.- To an outsider it would seem a matter of great simplicity to solve the difficulty; but when once the public get well hold of a thing and many have their own interests involved, attempts to get out of the fog are met at every side by opposition. Somebody asked the Provincial Treasurer at the meeting last night, why he did not consult so and so, and Mr Tonks hit the nail on the head in saying that doing so he would be like the old man and his ass, in the fable. Like everybody else, we have had an opinion on the subject. We have gone in for what it appears is called < Meurant's Hill;, but not like everybody else, we give up our way if carefuL investigation shows a better one. We see grave objections to the location at Onehunga, but if disinterested enquiry—and we believe that of the Provincial Government in this case is entirely disinterested— discovers that that is the best, then we say let it be One hunga, or any place else so that the abomi nation be suppressed. We still hold that the less difficulties in the way of legalised slaughtering and getting the cattle to, and the meat from the abattoirs, the less private slaughtering by stealth, and its concomitant evils shall we have. If it be inconvenient to execute an order owing to the slaughterhouse being distant, say at Onehunga, then will the order be executed, and a sheep or a calf will quietly get its quietus in a stable, or a coal shed,, or even a kitchen, or a bedroom, as we find from a recent report, is not unknown in colonial cities. We do not deny that with railway communication the utmost facilities might be afforded to the fleshers o£ the city. ' But will it be so ? The story of the Ellerslie gardens supplies the answer. That enterprise was being wilfully ruined. 4nd, ] why ? Because forsooth the rail way must be made to pay, and the iruitsmust be gathered promptly. Will the railway authorities put on meat vans, and will they be made to run to Bnit the butchers? It is possible they may, Mr Passmore's policy may be reversed, and public convenience and future gains rather than immediate fares and freights may guide the conduct of the trains. But Mr Robert Graham's experience should prompt the Provincial Government as well as any private individual to" pause and enquire before expending large sums of money, the benefits of which will be ruled by the whims flud caprices of Mr Passmore. Some morning that important gentleman's steak may be tough, and ha may issue an order lor the j discontinuance of the meat vaus. What Cben ? Unkrts we have Sir Donald McLean or ..meother one in authority staying in the .ifcv.to whota fjie aggrieved bufoht-^J&iirss^^H apply, we shall have our joints brought by j drays. Seriously speaking it is a riaky thing j to undertake any expenditure along the line oc railway $n the faith that oar railway will be worl_-_. on- principles customary : in connection with this mode of traffic. We think that after Mr Graham's experi ence, very few private persons will spend money in building near our line of railway, and it is not too much to say that similar caution should be used by the Provincial Government in expending public money. If therefore the abattoirs are to be constructed at Onehunga, we trust that timely provision may be made against our butchers being [ subjected to black mail, or to the equally objectionable tyranny of whimsical conceit. This provided, it is probable that the posi tion at Onehunga may be well enough adapted to the purpose. And certainly this or any thing is preferable to any farther delay, as resolved on by the meeting last night. Goodness knows there has been

delay enough already, and he is a bold man that advises its continuance. "

The attempt "To crush the Stab," is beginning to appear ia a new iorraj^OuT readers are aware that at very cou^^^H^^ expense, the proprietors of thi3 journaVH^B erected advertising boards all ever thH^^tr and suburbs. These have been fOi*HMr great service for the proper displa^M| posters without producing those nnsighiHfcj results which followed from the old system of daubing over walls and unoccupied houses with these annouricemeate. They were erected in coaforniity with plans approved by the City Council, and to theatrical companies especially they have been a boon, and by them have been lauded throughout the colony. Not have the pro prietors of this journal sought to exercise any monopoly as the fruits of their enter prise. Last night two of tho3e boards were deliberately destroyed. Of course we have little doubt in our own minds as to the source of this attack, and we think our readers- will agree with us that this is a style of thing that will not be tolerated in this community. Since Cyrus Haley was removed, Auckland has been happily exempt from the system of taking satisfaction for fancied wrongs by the stealthy hand of the midnight marauder. Such a paltry and cowardly way of wreaking vengeance is excessively contemptible, and we'think that any one's common sense might show that this style of thing will contribute but very little to " Crushing the Star."

A lady, unde. the signature of "Spectator,' writes complaining of the introduction oi barmaids at the Volunteer ball. She says :—

" This was the only thing that, to my idea, marred the affair. If such things must be, let those who are so fond of their society entertain them at their own houses; and, indeed, Mr Editor, had I not been a connec tion of some of the Southern representatives I should have left instantly." [This is a free country, and our correspondent is fully enti tled to give expression to her views. But probably the barmaids may have something to say on the subject.]

SUHenave, a Maori, while out shooting near Waiuku last Monday, had his left hand blown off, and his chest seriously injured by the bursting of his gun.

A race between Mr J. Smith's Rattan, and Mr J. Hepburn's pony Ladybird, for £10 a-side, took place at Henderson's Mill on Saturday, When Ladybird won by two lengths. Another ma'ch between horses owned by Messrs McLeod and W. H. Martin, for £2 a-side, was won by tl c latter. A foot race was won by J. Hepburn ; Coyle, 2nd. The Christmas race meeting at Hen derson's Mill was a success in every respect A first-class day's sport was provided, and after paying all liabilities £10 remain in hand. It bas been determined to make arrangements with Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane, owners of the course, to have it ploughed, rolled, and laid down in grass ready for next year's meeting.

We observe that Inspector Thomson, A.C., has been directed to assume charge of the Constabulary of the Auckland district during the'temporary absence of Inspector Broham

We have had two communications relative to -he movements a travelling draper from Melbourne who has cut a dash in and around the city, the Waikato, and Coromandel, driving about in a buggy, and talking very " loudly" of his intentions. A correspondent under the signature of "Travelling .Draper," writes inquiring whether this gentleman has a hawkers license, and making other stric tures on his mode of conducting business. We assume, however, that if the stranger in question can make it pay him better to use a buggy than carry about a basket, there is no law to prevent him from doing so ; and he is as much entitled to take what money he can as was the tuneful wanderer from the same quarter, who, not very long ago enlivened our streets, with the barrel-organ and whistle. There is no ob ligation on our citizens to buy or to accept as gospel any statements which the vendor may make, and they must exercise their own judgment as to whether they are re ceiving value for their money—whether they are getting shoddy or broadcloth. .We fail therefore, to see exactly in what way our correspondents are aggrieved.

The members belonging to the Episcopal Church purpose asking the Government to grant them a site to build a church thereon at Taupiri.

The only business at the Police Court this morning was the forfeiting of a drunkards bail, and the fining of Mr Hackett of the Market Hotel Is and costs for allowing his lemp to be extinguished on the night of the Bth inst.

Im the official accounts just issued by the Prussians, it is admitted that at Gravelotte Comte de Moltke nearly lost the battle. The official document reads : " Comfee de Moltke was not always so well informed as if he were the director of both armies. He attacked, as he believed, the right wing of the enemy j when it was their centre ; the error was Boon corrected from the want of ability on the part of Bazaine; but it is honorably avowed that the error might have proved calamitous."

The annual general meeting of the sub scribers of the Onehunga Library and Bead ing Booms was held in the rooms, Newsome street, last night, with a thin attendance. The reports of the secretary and treasurer were received, and a general discussion ensued relative to the shortcomings of pre vious year, and plans for the new one. A considerable proportion of the present office bearers and committee are new blood. The Her. G. Brown, M. A., |is president; C. C. Fleming, secretary ; and, as usual, Mr J. D. Jackson hon. treasurer.

The fbodyof Mr Davis, formerly ledger keeper in the Bank of New Zealand here, has been brought up from the South, were he died for burial in Auckland. The funeral will leave his parents' residence on Sunday at 4 o'clock. The Hon. Mr. Fox, during the toar on which he has recently set out, proposes to visit Palestine and the Pyramids. New Plymouth is going ahead ; many new buildings of a very substantial c_y_s_£_£_ -fcssai *iieen recently erected ; the levels of the town are being raised, and everything is in a pretty state o confusion at present. The spiritualists have suffered a great ex posure in London, through the downfall of the Katie King (the original Katie), who?o pranks befooled Wallace and Crooks, the scientists. The medium in London was a Miss Florence Cook. A few days ago a hard hearted unbeliever—Hipp by name—caught and held Miss Cook by the hand in the course of a manifestation which, it was represented, was going on through spiritual agencies alone, add the spell was broken. n

Although the streams in New Zealand do not contain many varieties of fish, yet for cols cannot be compared with any in the world, in some districts the Maoris catch thousands in the course'of a single season. The Waikato river teams with them. A re markable fine specimen was caught yester day by Sapper J.,' Perkins, E.V.M., at Taupiri weighing 241bs 10oz., nor is this a solitary instance as one was caught not long ago at Rangiriri the weight of it we are afraid to publish, it was so large.

There are 12,700,000 Christians in Turkey and 500,000 Jews. The Christians aia not allowed to vota in political rnattaw.

"-An O) n :rver" points out a dangerous pitfall, which should be attended to, He says : —"I and some friends were taking a quiet stroll last evening round Point Brito mart when we suddenly stumbled against a heavy* bundle. The? evening being dark we could not at first sight see what it was, but upon procuring a light we found it to be a ' Jack Tar/ who had fallen a victim of strong liquor, and had rolled down, overcome by slumber. We did not think it humane to leave him to enjoy his sleep there on such a dark night, so we aroused him, and got him ton to his feet, when he immediately made off .a the direction of the cliff. Finding this to be in his way, he was obliged to take a differ ent route. We noticed he passed a dark object on his way to the cliff, so we went to see what it was, when, to our surprise, we found it to be a well, carelessly uncovered. Had Jack walked into it, probably some one would have baen charged with" manslaugter. It was a very narrow escape, as any sober man might have walked into it."

A grievance not uncommonly complained of is the smailness of what is sold as a ton of wood. The way people are usually imposed upon is by the shortness of the sticks which, instead of being four feet long are often only 3ft. Gin. The price of firewood is too high for consumers to stand any additional loss, and the practice is, moreover^ unfair to honest tradesmen, who give good measure. This kind of cheating might well be looked into by the Inspaclor of Weights and Measures.

It is now thirty-five years since Paganini diod, the greatest master of the violin, wh.se death was an irreparable loss to the musical world. Ignoramuses and con noiseurs were alike under the spell of his t/enius. In his hands the violin wag an iospirwd instrument, now expressing the deepest emotions of the human heart, and now instinct with unearthly and demoniac passion.. All the sounds of nature and art were reproduced by the gaunt, wild-looking man from the depths of his "Joseph Guar nerius" which at one time simulated the voices old women, at another cries of deepest anguish, and again trembled with the crash of thunder. He was often led to descend to feats of dexterity unworthy of his art, but he atoned for them by rising to sublimities of expression, which no other artist ever reached. Ha put • his soul into his instrument, and it wa3 a beau tiful fancy of the Italians that it continued to haunt the violin when all that was mortal of Paganini had departed. His eccentri cities and extravagance, his sensuality and avarice, were stains on a career which shone with transcendent splendour, and went out in deepest darkness, leaving only the shadowy traditions of an unrivalled name.

A resident in Parnell complains bitterly of the annoyance he suffers from neighbour's pigs. This is a matter for the attention of the Inspector appointed for the" purpose, and we would suggest to our correspondent the propriety of seeing him, with the view of securing a remedy, if he has a valid grievanc.

A young lady recently put a piece of wed ding cake under her pillow, and went to bed with the happy belief that she would see her future husband in a dream. That evening liowever, she had eaten two plates of ice-cream, a pound of pears, some lobster .salad, a quantity of cake, and two pickled walnuts. She went to bed and saw a human figure in her dream, but declares that she would sooner remain single all her life, than marry such a monster.

The literary supplement of the Evening Star of tomorrow will contain the con clusion of Bret Hart's story; also new stories, "My little Mary," and poems, facetia. and fun ; also an original paper on St. Valentine's Day and the ancient custom of sending Talentine's letters, with numerous original examples of the present season, in cluding valentines from the policeman to the barmaid; also from the gardener, printer, nulkman s and sundry other of our citizens.

The Licensing Commisslonsrs will sit in the High-street court on the 2nd March, for the purpose of hearing and deciding upon applications for the renewals and transfers of licenses in Auckland and surrounding districts.

The annual general meeting of the mem bers of the Auckland Institute will be held in the large room of the Museum Buildings, on Monday evening next, when the secretary will read the annual report, after which, the election of officers for the year will take place.

Mr Charles E. Madden was conveyed this morning by coach to Hamilton, where the charge against him will be investigated. Mr Joy, L.L.B , who went to Hamilton yester day, will appear for the defence.

We notice by advertisement that the annual picnic, under the auspices of the Prince of Wales Lodge of Freemasonry, will take place at the Takapuna Lake, on the 17 th instant; for which excellent arrange ments have been made.

The long expected cricket match between members of the Fonsonby and Carlton Clubs) will take place to-mororw afternoon on the Domain ground, wickots to be pitched as two o'clock. The following are the players : —Carlton Club : Messrs Mears, J. and W. La wry, Stone, Johnstone, Ewen, Bodle, Choyce, Lublin, and Haresnape. Ponsonby Club: Messrs Lacon, Masefield. Began,

Willis, Harrison, Howard, Nash, Wood, Dignan, Jones, and Lonsdale.

The fraternity of cabmen in Queen-street is worthy of study, and evidently a brother hood of the Jack Easy type which Captain Marryat has immortalised, for they take the world as it is. In wet weather they get inside their cabs and smoke with all the freedom and independence of a trader of Constantinople. Most of them are well-look iag, with round merry faces, as though free from woman's tongue and strange to family cares. They actually have no work to do, for if they get a job they sit on their boxes with the equanimity of a Lord Mayor on the Prince of Wales' birthday. We should imagine that our cabmen are an intelligent body, and know a thing or two, for on pass ing the rank to-day each cabby seemed to possess a knowing eye, and the eye, we know, is very expressive in its glances. Two lof our knowing cabbies were holding a dis cussion to-day on the comparative merits of hansoms and hackney coaches, but just in the middle of the discussion their dinners of mutton and baked potatoes came from over the way, and tongue gave way to appetite. Then they lit their brier roots, and joked about passing events, and laughed at the thought of I grown-up people having the measles. Then 'they* Uiked'a-^IL* P^w ~s|n« cr' »«"* considered her ballads very detfgSK&S-J. bu.j^ neither of the men swore, which was greaSly"" to their credit. Then Alec said to Jonas " Mate, what is the best thing for a woman to take before singing a song ." The answer was " breath, to be sure," and they laughed again. " What do you think, Jonas," said Alec," I drove a lady and her daughter to lodgings in Remuera; when I asked the jolly maid servant whether she was ! let with the lodging, she was a new chum and pretty sharp, for she replied, that I she was to-V*.let alone.'^ j This was followed by a loud " ha, ha," again they attempted poetry, whan Bill P—_. extemporised in th* following strains:—

" For pretty Jaae, ofPonsonby, ' I often hoarsely sigh; Though I'm a Queen-street cabman, still she does not me decry. I lore the girl, and told her that her cabby's heart was free, _ And I would take her "home at once, if she would take to me."

Cut it, Bill, they roared, and come over to the Auckland and shout for all hands. Verily we thought, the Auckland cabby, leads a jolly, lazy life, and!takes things as comfortably as he takes his uealjof mutton and potatoes on th« step of Ha cab.

In Queen Victoria's crown there are 1,363 brilliant diamonds, 1,273 rose diamonds, and 147,^able diamonds, 1 large ruby, phires, 11 emeralds, 4 small rubies, and 217 pearls— a total of 2, 186 precious stones.

Jerusalem would seem to be an unpleasant place for people who don't care to be mur dered. More than a hundred murders have baen committed there within a year, and not one of the murderers has been punished.

A Spanish brigand who has no less than thirty assassinations to account for is to be hanged but once.

In our telegraphic and shipping columns to-day will be found full details in connec tion with the loss of the steamer Pretty Jane and her abandonment to the underwriters.

The anniversary dinner and ball of the 1.0.0. F., M.U., A.D., takes place to-night. Mr Isaac Phillips invites tenders for the erection of a verandah, and other improve ments to his clothing mart in Queen-street. Visitors to Coromondal will find first-class accommodation at Mr Dooley's Star and Garter hotel. Various notices of for sale, to let, and to lease, worthy of attention, appear in our advertising columns. We would specially mention-the sale of the windmill property, and Mr J. P. King's residence, Remuera. Sales of Mr Soloman's furniture of Messrs Cochrane and Sons, and of unredeemed pledges by Mr W. Dowden are announced for Monday. ..-. ■■•-. -; F. Holland and Co., successors to J. Blair, Mr F. Fenton, of the Central Stores, Market place, and Mr H. Watts, general dealer, Pitt street, each publish lists which housewives should examine.

THE PREVAILING EPIDEMIC.

SCENE: A LAWYER'S OFFICE,

Dramatis Persons.

Hubblebub Managing Cierk. Careless Book-keeper. Curl Office Boy.

Hubblebub {sotto voee to. Curl, who enters from the street. Careless is sitting at bis desk) : Do yon knoV what's th« matter with Mr Careless this morning Curl ? Curl: No, sir. Hubblebub : I'm sure he's not well. He has a most peculiar look about his face. Curl : Perhaps he went to the ball last night sir, and the night air or the champagne didn't agree with him, or perhaps he had a quarrel with Swiss Jenny. Hobblebttb : Who do you mean, sir, by Swiss Jenny ? Curl (with a wink) : Oh, she was there I hear and looked slap up. Such a train, and my eyes they say she had a bolster for an improver. At any rate she looked fine and no mistake, and a clerical party who was there set a Christian example to the rest by dancing with her ever so many times.

Hubblebub : Don't you talk nonsense, sir. You know a good deal too much, and it'll get you into trouble if you don't mind. Get to your work. (To Careless) : Well, Mr Careless, how are you after last night.

Careless (coming up close) : Infernally queer. Its brought 'em out thick. Hubblebub (anxiously) : Brought what out?

Careless : Why, the measles. I've go the mea3.es.

Hubblebub (in great perturbation) : Good gracious ! Mr Careless you don't say so. Why, yes, I declare your face is quite spotted already. You .ought not to be at work ; indeed you ought not, Mr Careless. You had better go home at once. Do go home that's a good fellow—here's a half orown for a cab. (Puts down a half-crown on a desk, and draws back.)

Carele-ss : All right. I'll go ; but you needn't make such a fuss about it. (Picks up half-crown and hat, and exit.) Hubblebub : Dear me 1 dear me ! (Sud denly.) Can you smoke, Curl ?

Cukl : Can I ? well, I like that 1 You try me. Hubblebtjb : Here's a shilling. Go over to Waller's and get half a dozen cigarettes, and come back here and smoke them directly. (Aside.) Fancy, not make a fuss indeed.

Curl : Oh, I'm on (going). Here's a lark ; and I'm blow'd if the old buster didn't pull my ears for smoking a pipe in the street the other day. - [Curtain.]

THE FIRE AT WAIROA (KAIPARA)

An enquiry into the circumstences attending the fire at the store known as MarrinerV, Kaipara, has been held, before T. S. Webb Esq., coroner.—William Marriner deposed, to the store having caught fire on the 18th inst. He had previously ignited a heap of rubbish, swept out of the building, at some distance from it. By great exertions the fire was extinguished. The fire had ap parently commenced underneath the skillion. Smoke a second time came issuing from the floor two hours later, but was extinguished by witness. At half-past eleven o'clock tbat night he examined the store carefully, and was satisfied that it was all right. He then went to bed, but an hour afterwards he awoke and on running out found the store in flames. He gave the alarm, but all efforts to save the building were of no avail.—-Leslie Marriner, W, H. Johnson, H. Wilson and E. Mitchelson were also examined, after which the jury returned a verdict, — —"Tnat Messrs Brown, Campbell and Co.'s store at Mangawhare took fire on the 18th January, 1875 ; that it again took fire on the 19th, this time consuming the store and its contents ; in what manner or by what means these fires originated the jury have no evi dence ta shew."

A MELANCHOLY CASE OF MURDER ING MANIA.

Captain S., says the Pall Mall Gazette, died last year in the Central Asylum, Dun drum, from senile decay, being considerably over 80 years of age. He was transferred to that establishment on its opening, from the Cork Asylum, of which he had been an in mate for nearly twenty-two years? having been acquitted as far backas 1829, on the ground of insanity, of the murder of seven men—the whole crew, in fact, with the ex ception of two boys, of a vessel then under command, and on its return from Ber muda. Possessing originally a very decided character, but becoming the subject of mental disease from continuous excitement and want of sleep for a fortnight!,[JbftJ*_Bflg_U dßl^^^^-^";^^^^ among his shipmates. After inducing them,. in proof ot their subor »nd 0 f the absence of such intention, to allow them selves to be tied down with ropes on deck, in which position they lay for nearly an hour, the first mate showing the example, when approaching the Cork harbor he deliberately murdered them in succession with an iron bar. After some time he recovered his reason in the district asylum, and wag, ; no doubt, sorry for what he had done, for he was remarkable for uniform kindness of dis position toward his fellow-patients; his piety, also, was very conspicious, and he was constantly engaged in reading the Bible and religious works. Occasionally, however, he had violently relapses, preceded by a taciturnity unbroken for several days, save by the quotations of an incoherent charaoter, or repetition of nautical phrases.

MR. J. C. STOVIN AND MINERAL PRODUCTIONS.

(To the Editor of $he Evening Star.) Sir,—Quiet men, like myself (except with good cause or in self defence), are not usually ambitious to have their names made iOod for the papers," but it becomes peculiarly annoying when associated with statements diametrically opposed to the truth. It is not long since I was accused of stating, that a vein of graphite, found at Co.omandel, was. worth £30 per ton, whereas my statement referred to plumbago, which the discoverers called it; but as soon si I was favoured with the sight of the mineral itself, I told them 1 would not cart it away if they would give it to me. No doubt it is, from my being.almost the only mineral dealer in Auckland, .that caused the contributor of the local paragraph, contained in your "sue 01 Mohda/, the Bth, to do me the honor P f introducing my name, when referring w> the recent manganese discovery in tne island of Waiheke ; but if the finders an ticipate to obtain the price for the mineral your correspondent has quoted, that is xj to £11 per ton, they will find themselves egregiously mistaken ;in proof of lcl} x send you the received commercial authority on all metals and minerals, published in London for that market and devoted ex clusively to all matters connected witft metals and ores, in which you will see that the market price at the very latest date, namely, December 12, 1874, was £o to £5 7s 6d per ton ; and as I think you will see that such statements as these are cal culated to mislead the unwary, and to cause men to rush into ventures that, if f>f™ c*,. 1Xi;~ formed they would avoid, you will I think on such proof, feel yourself called upon to give a flat contradiction to the untruth above named, which has appeared in your journal. It must be borne in mind, that little or none of this mineral, is used in London, but that it has to be transhipped to various ports, English and Foreign. The cost of min ing it here, with all its usual attendant exoenses, and that after sorting (it has some times to be done a second time at home, and then can only be shipped as mixed mineral), together with the cost of sacks, and removal from the mine with the two freights, from there to Auckland, and from thence to Lon don ; then dock charges, lighterage, cartage, storage, or, if fortunate direct transhipment with the high freight always attending tbe latter, then sampling assays, Insurances, and Commissions, all of which charges those who enter into the business will find actual facts, and therefore must not be surprised that "the £5 or £5 7s 6d per ton has vanished like the baseless fabric of a dream." In fact but for peculiar circumstances, and important foreign relations, those mineral merchants I represent would have given it up long since. With respect to the statement pub lished by you on the 10th inst relative to the Iron Smelting Works, and the company connected therewith, there is as yet, J much regret to say, about as much truth in it as there is substance in a shadow. I feel satis fied that your correspondent who sent you the article, must have been misled. I only wish it was otherwise for the good of the province.—l am, etc., J. C. Stovin, Insur ance Buildings.

PONSONBY MUSICAL SOCIETY.

The energetic members of this Society, availing themselves of Miss Christian's assistance, gave a grand miscellaneous con cert in the Ponsonby Hall last evening. As we had anticipated, the hall was thronged with an audience comprising visitors from the most remote parts of the city and suburbs. The Society was reinforced, as on previous occasions, by several members of the Auck land Choral Society, and we were gratified to notice this evidence of good feeling among our amateurs. • Mr Mitchell conducted as usual. The first part of the programme comprised selections from Mendelssohn's "St. Paul." Less familiar than the sister oratorio " Elijah," the music of " St. Paul" is of a higher class in many respects ; in fact, setting aside the special dramatic interest of the other, it i 3 fairly entitled to the rank of superiority. There were two or three false starts last night, but when once launched the pieces went off smoothly and well. A lady sang the treble solos " Jerusalem" and "I will sing;'1' the latter with excel lent effect, but the former against — t we can hardly write to —a rebellious orchestra. The tenor recit "And they stoned him," was very nicely rendered ; but the song, " Be thou faithful," was hardly so successful as it might have been with more rehearsal; the violincello obligato was want ing, except in a necessarily imperfect re production on the harmonium. Miss Chris tian ' produced a marked impression on the audience in the recitative at the words " And devout men took Stephen and buried him;" and the funeral chorus "Happy and blest" which followed, was a great treat to hear. Miss Christian sang also, " But the Loid is mindful," and its sister air from the Elijah, "OTest in the Lord." Both were beautifully given, and at the close of the last the audience could not be restrained from giving vent to their feelings in an outburst of gefiuine applause. We must not omit to commend the bass solo, " I praise Thee, O Lord," which although nervously, was never theless intelligently rendered. The grand chorus "O great is the depth," admirably performed, was a. fitting finale to the selections from Mendelssohn's music. In the second part Miss Christian sang "Oh ye tears," and " The Mountebank," and in response to the inevitable encores, "The I beating of my own heart," and " O take me to thy heart again." Her share in the pro gramme was unusually heavy; but she re tained the full power and quality of her voice to the last. The " Standard" bearer •' was sung by a gentleman, whom we would wish to see come forward oftener as a soloist. The pianoforte solo was not a success; per haps Madame Goddard's visit has made us fastidious. We cordially recognise the ability of the lady who presided at the piano; but we could not help thinking that in her performance last night, a little more music and a little less noise would have been a decided improvement. We should have stated that the chorus in the first part was evenly balanced, and that a fair measure of attention was paid .to the mark of expression. The members of the Ponsonby Society have certainly im proved under the instruction of their able conductor, but they should aim at still greater precision Our read.is will be sorry to learn that an imperative engagement in Melbourne will shorten Miss Christian's stay amongst us in Auckland. She had expected to remain here for two or three months longer, butit is vow certain thafc-al-M "^». Meto.leave „by .^phr^s Vbout the 2otS~lsr this month. Might not our amateur societies take advantage of the inter vening fortnight by uniting to arrange a farewell concert as a parting tdbute of regard ta this talented vocalist ? —Sgima.

MOUNT EDEN TOLL-GATE.

(To the Editor of the Evening Stab.) Sik,—ln "Pty to a letter signed by a Mount Eden ratepayer, I ehall thank you for a small space in your columns in order to throw some light upon that subject. For the last two years I have been the lessee of that gate. At- one time, through Mr Hesketh, I applied to the Provincial Government to have it taken off my hands, and agreed to forfeit two months rent. The answer received was that the Provincial Government could give two months notice to lessee to quit, but that it was not in the power of the lessee to give notice to resign the gates. The Mount Eden gate being sold on the 19th of December, oh the same terms and conditions as before, I desire to know by whose authority it oan be again sold on the 23rd of Feb ruary. Sir, I put the quwtion on the

following grounds, namely :—Thatb]T_^fHl» McDonald keeping the New North RoadT__L {iHl__l gate, his securites are.still hable. Then I rll in justice why not hold them responsible p?M'l both gates, why allow him to give un _k_'• I worst and keep the best gate? F~"*9>J; m allowed to retain the New North', ' -V M gate, like the key stone in the arckinajs !V ■ mands the position as all the dravsT^ I go by Summer-street, and avoid the M_„*! Eden gate, which I consider, if tOnfJf be sold on the 25th instant, to be a f greater swindle than the Jockey Club mitted in selling to the public the righni charge admission through gates ef.ot_j Mr Graham's land. Mr Editor, I wl? believe this place is rotten at the core ''_*■ cu^arly when we see our Provincial Ei tive not meting out fair-handed ius'iof. ♦»* I am, &c., W. Kirby. P.S. Mr l' 0]? 1 having the greatest number of drays _ ■ ' through the gat s different 4aa_J*f refused to take the gate off my hanna _* even forfeiting two months rent —To *c ' Editor of the Evening Star : Sir,'—l ° £ 1 for the correctness of the postscript U v Kirby's letter. -Thomas Fauldjck p* r„r r>i Tiir' *~ *• -s^ I

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT This Day.

(Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., P.vj \ 1 JOHN M'l/ACHLIN V. JOHN WILSON. Claim, £4 Is. This wes a claim for drapery goods u.]a and delivered to defendant. ' Mr M'Lacblan proved the claim. Judgment for plaintiff. READ.R G. WOOD, V. E. LANE. Mr Coleman for plaintiff. In this case the plaintiff claim for rent a_d recovery of a house which he* let to defend-yi ant at Brighton, at £3 10s per month, but I which the defendant refused to pay, »nd he • I obstinately regained possession of the cottage. Judgment for plaintiff to proceed forth. with. ■ :, '.. ..'. - .:::Y3i!<iu^. SAMUEL PARTRIDGE V. FRED WIIXIAMi Claim, £9 6s 6d. Mr Hesketh for plaintiff, atd Mr Brock i for defendant. The parties in this cage were public ■ ann plaintiffs claim was for goods. The de fendant put in a set off of £12 '5s for vain*. .ion of the stock of thehotei kept by plain- " tiff at five per cent. Plaintiff was quits', willing to pay Mr Williams what was fair" and just. .■'^AjsiStsl' - Mr Hesketh remarked that lawyer, were said to be well paid for their ■ work ; but £12 ss, which Mr Willitua " demanded for an hour and a half's work, ■' beat the lawyers altogether. Mr Paitridfc'o said he often tried tosrjuaie up with Mr Wib,Jan> p» but without success. . Mr Frederick "VTiUiams deposed that in September, 1873, Mr Partridge informed him that the " Albion " Wus "»the market He charged five per cent for .vhat he did, and he never did such work a-t less per cen'age ; he had great experience as £ vainer; h« estimated the worth of the "Albion "«t - £220, including the license. To Mr Hesketh : The co-valuer was Mr% \ Jouning, who agreed generally with him. He valued the Army and Navy on two occaaion.. The valuation took part of two days; 1 however, had nothing to do with his charges. M r Lears gave evidence as to the fi of the charges; five per cent, was the <* orthodox charge with profe.sed valuers. 01 ;, course if he valued for another broker * was an arrangement and some difference g made. To Mr Hesketh : There were few qualified' valuers in Auckland ; ,it requires Large ex perience to be able to do justice between '. hotel-keepers. William Amos Clarke stated that defen dant had valued the stock of the Army and Navy, and that he paid him for his work at the rate of 5 per cent. It was the';^U';i thing. ' .'..'. -. ■' '';' ;i';';::v:ftS!fi|lP^ Pobertl Boach, publican, gave "UgHM evidence. .;;".. v;[;%|p|i||p^ Mr Blewden, contractor, acted on 1 of the trustees, said that Mr Jousin., who ; was a friend of Mr Brown, valued on the part \ of the trustees. He made a charge of £3,. j? which he said was quite sufficient for an hour' I and half's work. Had he charged m6reii»*^» would probably have got it; but that was . * his charge Mr lames Carson, collector, deposed that he had ' called six times upon Mr Williams,. 3|^ for the money due to plaintiff, and BtstsdllN|ggr answers he had received from Mr Wfluiiii|ig^r s Mr PaJtridge was re-called byMrfleekOTjf;'/ and .deposed that Mr Williams had. ofierei||, to do the valuation gratuitously, although v he wished topay him a .reasonable charge. He had no idea that Mr Williams intendad I' to prefer a counter-claim. .- • .V^'WE 1 his being the case, counsel on. both sideSj.*.*" addressed the Court for their respective ;/? clients. " His Worship said in iooking over the exidence he thought Mr Williams was en titled to 5 per cent on £178 19a 10d. Tbs sum of 7s 6d would therefore be due to; Mri | Partridge. Costs, £2 4s. ■ ■•: .>',"■£; ' W. ROBINSON V JB. PERKISB. , ' " >]\,Aj'm Claim, £10. Mr McKechnie for plaintiff. > ftf' Mr Hesketh for defendant. , ~t , r# The plaintiff in this case deposed that he .v.y was employed by Mr Perains to do soms .:>V digging in the gardsn of the Junction Hotel;, also, as an assistant occasionally in the bar. He took a job of digging, in Which he was |, £ assisted by two men; but he was discharged •'.-. .<> by defendant without notice, and before m jg*-* had completed the job. Plaintiff having been subjected to s long cross-examination by Mr Hesketh, the par* ... ties retired to arrange their differences ; and. it was aunounced to the Court that plaintiff _^ | had accepted Mr Perkins' terms, free of. . ; costs. ,-::- -: ~ ~\ ' ''' 7 ' , y'.' STANNUS JONES V. W. AMOS CLARKE. Claim, £4 ss. ■ •--■;■•; This was a claim for the balance of a | promissory note, but as Mr Joy was awsT !!? the Waikato, the case was adjourned untll^Mß IRELAND BROS. V. E. PITRDAY. ~ --, ;* ( Mr Hesketh for plaintiff; Mr MacKechaM for defendant. , • This was a claim for the value of ■ quantity of manure belonging to Mewrsg| Ireland, aud which was taken away Pf-^n defendaut without leave of plaintiffs.'^':^i^.^fe: The case was proceeding as onr, Tsl^fH^____

TELEGRAPHIC.

■± AT EST TH AME S N'eM^B ALLUVIAL GOLD ON GRAHA^%JB TO WIS BEACH. '-I''?HB

OHINEMURI MATTERS.

■ GRAHAM ?TpWN.' ; ;^^H||P (From oar own Correspondent.) This day. It is reported that good prospects of »""»*•.--. M vial gold have been found on the beach « ■& Grahmstown while sinking piles for the eX:^m tension of goods' wharf, three feet below toe surface, ia black sand. The discovery *|-$|| seven or eight hundred feet from the shore, : v| . and covered" when the tide is in. i*'9*^ -': lievedby some to be from tailings washed-' s i out there. Efforts are being made by a few capitisH9%g| tojopen Ohinemuri under the new Act. !*• miners strongly object, and will hold »•» '^ indignation meeting if this is attempted by <m the Government. ' ' a ■ J___i The General Government are carryingO™ <m all the negotiations, and some surprise .•» y:m expressed that none of the profincw v,;|| authorities are here, aa the Supenotendfa» m holds th« delegated powara. &j



Q I T V H ALL /"HATS,./-"' ' $if- •■" . £ CLOTHING, PRINTS, DRSSSE3. CARPETS, FLOOR CLOTHS, CBIJTA MATTING. MILLINERY, UNDERCLOTHING, BABY LIiNEN. AT COST PHICB, To effect a Clearance for extensive'alteration of premises. HOLLO WAY & GARLIOK, CITY HALL.



.72?n_ J _1_ 1 o_H_? t i_. 'JST^- Watchej, warranted for £710s each, to be obtained onl___t F w T.«_-_um _ Jeweller, Queen-street-(AdvtT iiewiswms COFFffIE !— Brown, Barrett, and Co'« _!__„___-_ Coffees both delicious'aud strong™"firown Itawtt and Co.'s l__celaior Coffeerdes.r£, orSnci^Sr _&^ih_'t£_£_r °affi rtl_ a .i^'^^o^^? ??!f _tß * P 1?" 11?* 8ol» at almost nm n-car. __. tabU-hmrat la town and !Wrtaw,-JjJJx, irocwT •*