SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATEa : Ibis evening, 6.14 ; to mwr.-ow morning, 6.38 SUN SET : This evening, 7.1G ; SUN MSB: to morrow raornine, 5 8 MOON'S AGS : Fall Moon, 22nd, 5.20 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Luna, p.s, from Bay of Islands]

DEPARTURES.

Wonga Woßga, s.s, for Sydney Isabella, brig, for Newcastle. Detwent, brig, for Newcastle. Atlantic, schooner, for Napier. Gem, schooner, for Coromandel and Napier. Ruby, schooner, for Wangaroa. Go-Ahead, for New Plymouth and Wanganui (from Manakau).

EXPORTS.

Per Wonga Wonga, for Sydney:—so cases sto^ Henderson and Mucfarlane ; 4 cases machinery, Masefleld and Co; 13 bales tow, 74 hales phorimum tenax, J. R. Roberts ; 232 bales phormium tenax, Goodhue; 8,000 slates, Combeß and Daldy; 1 bos: plants, Cruickshank and Co; 1 box effects, F. Scherff; 1 case vestas, Fleming ; 1 parcel plans, Buchanan ; 3 bundles clothes lines, Annistead; 1 "box effects, Cruickshank and Co. For Melbourne—lso bundles hides, 31 bundles salted pelts, 7 bundles dry sl:sns, A. Dornwell; 1 case silver plate, Daveny. For Bris bane—lo bales flax, Dargaville antl Co.—H. M. Jervis, .. agent for A.S.N. Co. Per Derwent, for Newcastle:—l3o,ooo feet timber, J. W. Waller; 32 bundles bags, W. Suiter.—J. W. Waller, agent.

THE LE VIRE.

The French war steamer Le Vire is to leave for Tahiti on Saturday next. Those who have not yet had an opportunity of inspecting her should take the oppo. trinity afforded by the trips of the North Shore Ferry boats during the remainder of the week. As no detailed description of this vessel has appeared in any of the Auckland paners, a few particulars may be interesting to our readers.. The Le Vire is not properly speaking a man -of-war. As such in these days of ironclads, steam-rams, and " Woolwich infants," she would be of little use. She is a Govern ment transport of, according to English measure ment, about 800 tons register. She was built under the superintendence of the Marine Engineer at L'Orient, near Brest, in 1870, so that she is compara tively speaking a new vessel. Her length of keel is 210 feet, and her beam 30 feet. She is fitted with engines of 400 horse-power, which are capable of driving her at the rate of 12 knots an hour. They ■were constructed by M. Dupuy. Her armament conr sists of six 52-pounder guns on the upper deck, and one small copper bow-chaser on the forecastle deck. The large guns are Ruelle's patent, the bore being rifled in a peculiar manner from the plan of an inven tion ascribed to Napoleon 111. These cannon carry a cylindrical shell, with a conical head, which explodes on striking its object. Their range is 3800 yards. In addition to the great guns, there are on board a large quantity of Chassepot rifles' and revolvers. The former are well worth inspe6ting by those who have not yet examined the weapon employed on one side in the late Franco-German war. The Le Vire has a

crew ail told of about 90,

There are seven superior

officers, namely:—Le Commandant, Capitaine de . Frigate, M. Jacquemart; L'.OE&cier en Second, M. Swinski; MM. Eathuis, Paturel, Lieutenants de vaisseau; MM. de Miniac, Brichet, Enseignes de vaisseau; M. Blin, Aide-Comniissaire, Officier d'Ad ministration; M. Jenewein, Officier de Sante, docteur dv bord. Besides these there is a chief engineer, 7 mates, i second-mates, 8 quarter-mates, and about 70 sailors, who are all trained both as sailors and marines. The magazine is under the quarter-deck. Between it and the engine-rcom, which is well venti lated and lofty, there is an iron partition in which are small doors affording access, in addition to the ordinary approach from above. There are two boilers of largo size, and six furnaces. Six firemen are lodged in an adjoining compartment. The space on board is well economised, the result being that the vessel presents to a spectator on board the idea of larger size than she is. The storeroom is fore'ard under the forecastle. The 'tween decks are spacious and well supplied. with air through the numerous portholes. Taken altogether the Le Vire is a smart looking little ship, and does credit to the officers. The Le Vire left France some 18 months ago with a party of scientific observers of the Transit of Venus. These were M. Bouquet de la Grye, M. Courrjoles, and M. Atte. These gentlemen are now waiting for the depnrtui-e of the mail steamer to return to France via "* San Francisco. The station of the Le Vire's obser vation party was Campbell Island. The weather there on the transit day was very bad, and the results of the expedition are not important.

We insert a letter from Captain Le Vesconte, of the ship Glenlora, which will tend to explain the para graph in our shipping column of yesterday's issue, having reference to the Herald and the passages of th 9 Dilharee and Glenlora. The Herald shipping reporter's outbreak we ascribe to the heat of the weather, which has rendered him more fiery than usual, and pass it by, apologising for our inadvertent mistake:—To the Editor.—Sir, —I am sorry to see that my representation to you yesterday has brought down such an avalanche of abuse from the Herald. shipping reporter. Your reporter must be acquitted from attempting to discover any mote in his brother's eye, for the paragraph in the Stab was written from my own statement, which I now see was so far wrong as ascribing to the Herald that which appeared in the Cross, viz., " That the Dilharee had made one of the quietest passages for some time past." My reason for wishing anything said on the matter is not be cause I wish to detract from the passage of the Dil haree, but because I thought I was bound to put my ship's performance in the proper light.—l am, &c, J. H. Le Vesconte, master ship Glenlora. The s.s. Luna arrived from the Bay of Islands this afternoon. She left yesterday afternoon, and brings the following passengers:—Sir D. McLean, Colonel McDonald, Coionel St. John, Commissioner Kemp, Judge Hogan, Bishop Cowie, and the Rev. Mr Tem pleton, Messrs Brissenden and Eogan, Paora Tuhaere, Hone Bates, four natives, and seven Fijians. The s.s. Wonga .Wonga took her departure for Syd ney this morning. She takes the cargo detailed under exports, and the following passengers: — Saloon: Messrs Hugh Mosßman, Wm. Martin, Geo. EsdaUe, J. Flemming, Fred. Turner, Miss May Williams, and Mrs Ha ry Kelly.' Steerage: Mrs Margaret Cole, Mr and Mrs Kaily, Mrs Alice Trahy and infant, Miss Trahyand four children, Messrs John Swan, John Rhodes, Eichard Ponds, John Hare, and Addison. The s.s. Go-Ahead sailed from the Manukau for New Plymouth and Wanganui at 6 p.m. yesterday. Passengers: — Mrs Mash, MiBS Good, Messrs W. Bayly, Brooking, Early, Jones, Jackson, Harvey, Montague, Ledbury, and servant. The brig Isabella took her departure for Newcastle In ballast yesterday evening, and the brig Derwent ■with a cargo of timber, sailed for the same destination this morning. The ship Assaye has nearly completed her ballast ing. All accounts against her are to be sent to the agent of the New Zealand Shipping Company by ten o'clock to-morrow morning. We notice that the fine brigantine Coronet is for sale.

'The schooner Advance yesterdoy evening sailed over to the North Shore, for the purpose of being repaired. The barque Dilharee was brought alongside the western T of the wharf this morning, where she will discharge her cargo. The brig Vision hauled off into the stream this morning and took her departure for Wangaroa and the Friendly Islands during the day.

The brigantine Sir Isaac Newton has been placed upon the gridiron. . The schooner Dauntless (topsail) was removed from the gridiron yesterday, in charge of the Custom House officials, and sailed to the far side of Stokes' Point. It was intended to have anchored her off Freeman's Bay, but being very light, she would not beat across, and the anchor was let go near the point. The cutter Coralie has cleared out for Tairua with a few stores.

The schooner "Wild Duck, for Port Waikato, with 27,215 feet timber; and the Merlin, for New Plymouth, with a general cargo, cleared outwards at Onehunga to-day.

STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Business done to-day:— Bnnk of New Zealand—Buyers, 18s 4d. National Bank (cum. div.)—7os ; buyers, 683.

' South British Insurance—Buyers, 48s|6d. Standard —Buyers, 9a 6d. Union Sash and Door —Sellers, £10.

j§ Thames Gas—Sellers, 355. City of London —Buyers, 27s ; sellers, 28s. ,JJeMSn "Calf—Buyers, 4a 6d. -^*^Golden Calf (double)— Sellers, Ba. % .-.■ XTnio^Beach —Sellers, Bs. ?\ Bismarck—l2s 6d. & Tokatea (ex div.)— Buyers, 11s 9d, 0"' Cure-6s 6d. I* Red Queen—ls.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows :— For Thames, this day, at 5.80 p.m., and to-morrow, at 9.30 am. For Coromandel, on Friday nest, at 10 30 a.m. For Waiwera and Warkworfch, per Lady Eowen, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern provinces, and Australian Coloaies, per Phoebe, to-morrow, at 10 am Late letters for Southern prevlnces and Mel bourne will bj received till 10 20 a m For the undermentioned places per . City of Melbourne, on Friday, 22nd instant, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, "United States of America, Canada. British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a m. For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 10 &.ra. Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d will be received by the Mail Agent on board up to time of sailing For Levuka, per Star of the South, on Friday, 22nd instant, at 2 p m For trisborne and Napier, per Southern Cross, on Saturday, 23rt( instant, at 1 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tairaa, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Southern Cross, on Saturday next, at 1 p.m. M ils for Australia and Great Britain close at Bluff at 11 a.m. to-morrow, (Signed) S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTHS.

Peace. —On the 19th instant, at herjesidence, Pon sonby, the wife of Mr A. G. Peace;^of a daughter. Hill.—On the 19th instant, at her residence, Union street, the wife' of Mr J. Hill, of a son.

MARRIAGE.

Boyd—Millet.—On the 19th instant, at Symonds street, by the Eev. Dr. >Yallis, John Boyd, eldest son of Joseph Boyd, Clontibret, County Monaghan, Ireland, to Sarah Ann Millett, relict of the late B. Millet, Esq., C.E., and daughter of Col. Blackmore, County of Mayo, Ireland.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1875

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

Although the sphere of religious or rather denominational activity is not properly within the domain of secular journalism, still on general public grounds we cannot but rejoice at the intimation in our telegraphic columns respecting the Synod of the Presby terian Church of Otago. A resolution has been carried in favour of the acceptance of proposals for union with the General Assem bly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zea land ; and, however, tardy in this as in all other social or political questions New Zea land has been, the announcement of approach ing union will give great pleasure to the mem bers of that large and influential communion who feel pride in the traditionary glories of the blue banner of the Covenant. In all the other Australasian colonies, and we believe ia almost all the other dependencies of Britain, this consummation |has been long ago achieved ; and the separation and semi antagonism engendered of peculiarities in the position and relations of the Home Churches have disappeared from the sheer absence in the colonies or-«oy grounds for separation. It may be admitted -t^at the different finan cial position of the^ Otagochurch as compared with that of the Northern section may have formed an excuse for an absence of Anxiety for union on the part c*

the "canny Southerners, but, although so far as endowments are concerned, all things are not to be in common, such union cannot fail to greatly promote the efficiency of all schemes the Presbyterians of New Zealand may feel calledto take an interest in. Some of the difficulties which interposed in the way of union are rather amusing as described in our telegrams, one gentleman, fearing that by the union instrumental music which is admitted in the service of the Northern churches would infect the sim plicity of the faith, and be the introduction of " ritualistic" practices into the church of Otago, in fact, that it was itself a "ritualistic practice." The connection be tween the " Kist o' whistles" and ritualism i 3 such a3 will raise a smile on the face of many, but the genus of the true blue Presby terian of the old school is not yet extinct aad to such a one any thing that seems to savour of that " Popery" which his soul loatheth is as a red rag to a mad bull. We look on it that one of the advantages of union to the Southern church will be the inevitable intro duction of instrumental music into its public services which cannot fail to have a civilizing and humanising influence on the semi-barbar ous and uncultivated ecclesiastical taste of the people of the South. Even the Rev. Mr Bannerman, thegent'eman who expressed his horror of instrumental music, and who appears to be an antediluvian fossil of a quaint type, admits the triumph of good taste over antique savagery as inevitable.; and sadly owns that the introduction of instrumental music is only a question of time. But passing over the puerilities of such objectors,, it is satisfactory to observe that this long anticipated union is approaching completion, and we venture to say that, as it has proved in the other colonies, the consolidation of interests and unity of action hence arising will give a notable impulse to Presbyterianism in New Zealand, and enable it to combat, as never before, those difficulties in the way of religious progress which are sufficient to tax the efforts of all the religious organisations in the colony.

The enquiry into the management of the gaol has been quietly proceeding, five meet ings in all having been held by the Commis sion, three at the gaol, and two at the office of the Superintendent. This morniDg, as we understand, the last enquiry has been held at the gaol, the subject being the dietary. Present : Messrs Prime, Dig nan, and Macready. Tests were ap plied to the food to find the al terations made in the weight of articles in the process of cooking ; and it was found that fit'ty-seven pounds of meat weighed, after cooking, forty-one pounds. The various trials of the articles of consumption showed that the dietary scale had been correctly observed, and that there were no grounds for complaint on this subject, nor, indeed, did the prisoners make any complaint. The greatest satisfaction was afforded to the com mission by all the dietary arrangements. Of course the report of the labours of the Com mission will not be made public till the Pro vincial Council sits, but we are in a position to cay that the charges made against Captain Eyre and the conduct of the gaol have been found to be utterly without any foundation and they have been evidently wilful and malicious falsehoods. This is what we always believed, forming our opinion from the characters of the persons who have made to us those same charges against the gaol; and it is exceedingly to be regretted if the pure malice and spitefulness exhibited in these trumped up charges are not reached by the heavy hand of the law.

A correspondent, " Fructus," sends us the following: "Sir, —The best thanks are due to you for directing attention to the small encouragement given to home grown fruit and the difficulty of getting it by retail buyers. To my knowledge a lot of prime lemons were sent up from the Bay of Islands and the sender was offered sixpsnce a dozen. He sent no more. The other day I had occasion to buy a dozen, and I paid three aud sixpence, and bad they were at that. Mr Cowen, of Mahurangi, last year seat up a lot of fine plums. He got two pence per pound. He sends no more. Yesterday I bought plums—rotten imported stuff—at a shilling a pound. Comment is needless."

We have received a sensible and tem perately written letter from Mr F. G. Brown, fruiterer, Sydney House, Queen street, with reference to our remarks yesterday on the sale of Auckland-grown fruit, and in reply to Mr Cotter. We are sorry that we are obliged to hold it over till to-morrow, when we shall have much plea sure in publishing it on the principle Audi alteram partem. It will be advantageous to have this subject thoroughly ventilated, and we trust that it will have the ultimate effect of bringing our locally-grown fruit to the front.

The Colonial Representatives will be con veyed to the Thames on Friday by a steamer specially chartered by the Government. The steamer Wellington, which leaves Nel son to-day, is expected to arrive at One hunga in time -on Friday to allow of the transfer of the Southern representatives to the steamer leaving for Grahamstown.

Our Wellington special correspondent's telegram, received jusb as we were going to press, is unavoidably held over.

The No. 3 Company's club rifle match was fired this morning at five o'ciock. About twenty members competed', and notwith standing the great disadvantage of the strong (sunlight, Corporal Partington succeeded in making the very excellent score of 48 points, by which he secured the Ladies' prize for the second time. The other prizes fell to the lot of Sergeant B. Provo, W. D. Buttle, D. Kelly, and Captain Morrow. The firing was concluded shortly before eight o'clock. We have received a considerable number of letters respecting the election of a school committee for the City East district to-night, which betoken that feeling is running very high on the subject. Humour hath it that it is a struggle between the water-drinkers and beer-drinkers ; in fact, between the publican, and the Good Templar interests. What bearing the liquor question has on the elec tion of a school committee we do not pretend to understand. Others, again, say that it is a struggle between those who wish to have only one school in the district and those who hold that there should be a second one to accommodate the more distant residents and to relieve the present one. This certainly is more intelligible, but it is evident that a struggle of some kind is pending, and it behoves every parent in the district to be present and tako a part in what may have an important bearing on the interests of his children. The meeting is to be at the Mechanics', and the hour half-past seven to night.

The old women and men of the Refuge desire us|to express their warm gratitude for a nice parcel of valuable books, yesterday presented to them by the kindness of Mrs Sloawit,

We have received the following t —To the Editor: Sir,—l see in this morning papers that a member of the Board of Education is employed by tha Board to do its legal busi ness. With reference to certain reserves at Parnell it is stated " the matter was referred to Mr Lusk to prepare the title-aacordingly." Can you inform me sir if this is according to law, or if a member of the Board who showed such ability in " mating work" for himself in connection with Companies which he was winding up, should be permitted to make work to be paid for from the household tax wrung out of the poor hardworking people of Auckland. Mr H. H. Lusk has struggled hard to maintain this most in equitous and oppressive tax, and it 13 not difficult now to see the main object which he had in view in having plenty of money passing through the hands of the Board of .Education. It was said some time ago that an intrigue was tried to have this person appointed the chairman or acting chairman of the Board with a salary of £100 or £150 a year, aud that several of the members of the Board were favorable. I think, sir, that when it is generally known that the "Father of the education tax " is in this way feathering his own neat out of the taxes squeezed out of the people, it will not lessen the unwillingness with which the tax is paid by the many who have hardly enough of bread to put in their children's mouths. We are often told about the "corruption" of Governments ; but so long as there is a class of persons hanging on to public money who cannot live by ordinary industry, any legis lation, or any Government. is sure to be turned to corrupt purposes. I hope, however, that you will give me a small corner of your paper to direct the people's attention to the fact that the household taxis being usedto pay Mr Hugh Hart Lusk for his "disinterested" services in the cause of education. — I am, S.c, HousEnoLD Tax.

A "Special Juryman" writes:—"Si"*, — I am sura that no member of the community would accuse our worthy Chief Justice of indifference to the convenience of the public, but there is evidently something wrong in the management by the executive of the Supreme Courb. On Monday, two or three dozen leading merchants and others were summoned under a penalty of ten pounds, to put iv an appearance at 10 o'clock, to settle sundry disputes among our fellow colonists. This is galling enough in itself, because should any given case prove a protracted one, the remuneration of said special jurymen is sometimes less than that awarded to common juries. One would have thought that under such circumstances,;endeavor would be made to save the time of the jurors. But mark the course. The special jurors are kept waiting while some three doztn common jurymen are called and duly sworn, and are then quietly told that their presence will not be required till the following morning at ten o'clock. Yesterday morning accordingly, all hands dance attendance, and are then again sent about their business.till half-past one. Now I maintain that the officers of the Court must have known, when the Court rose last even ing, quite as well as they knew this morning, that the case then on could not be concluded by ten, and that common courtesy would have suggested that a notice in the morning papers would have saved a great deal of valuable time to the jurymen, instead of which we are compelled to toil up the hill in a broiling sun simply because the officials of the Court do not or cannot exer cise a little business-like forethought in their duties. I know it will be said, "Oh, but we never know how soon the common jury casea may be settled, and the Court would be kept waiting." And where would be the hardship ? The officers of the court are the servants of the public, and are paid their regular salaries whether the court sits or not. The professional men are paid for their time, and therefore it; would be but more fair and reasonable that they should wait, than that so large a number of bueiness men should have their time wasted for no purpose whatever. The loss to a business man is sometimes very great ; ten or twenty pounds would not compensate him, say when a mail is leaving; or take the case of a farmer who leaves ten or a dozen men at his harvest. Ye 3, sir, there were jurymen in attendance yesterday who had to lide in ten miles, and a whole day would have been saved to them if a special jury had been called for to-day. I have had my growl, and am, sir, yours, etc., A Victim."

Funeral reform, which we have so of ben xirgecl upon the attention of our readers, is being initiated in Christchurcb. The Church News says :—"The snb-committe appointed at a Tecent public meeting in that city, is now engaged in obtaining information as to what has been done, or is in contemplation, in Adelaide, Danedin, and other places. They have also songbt a conference with representatives of the various friendly societies in Christchurch, with the view of ascertaining whether they are disposed to co-operate in the movement. Very great and general interest is felt in the matter, bat no small amount of determination and per severance will be needed to overcome the inveteracy of custom in these matters. Meantime, one example is worth much talk ing. Not many days ago a funeral was con ducted on what may be called reformed principles. The deepest feeling was mani fested, but all display and unnecessary expense, as well as all that is merely gloomy, were studiously avoided. The deceased, a child of four summers, wa3 borne to the cemetery, not in one of those gloomy struc tures called mourning coaches, but in an ordinary close carriage. The coffin was of polished wood, without covering, and with out plate or inscription. No pall, no hired mourners, nothing dismal, nothing unbe coming those who are bidden to 'sorrow not as those who have no hope.' The mother was there, but not in oppressive blaok laden with crape, which, on that sultry day, would have been cruel even to behold, but in cheerful white, subdued by a braiding of black. The choicest of white flowera were thrown into the grave by the hands of the parents, and the only thing one missed was, that the voice of Christian song wag not heard before the mourners moved away." The entertainment for the benefit of widow Noyer and family will take place this evening in the Lome-street Hall, under the patronage of the members of the Fire Brigade Oddfellows, and other societies who will appear in the regalia of their orders. An excellent programme has been provided, embracing the lively, the comic, and the sentimental. The entertainment will com monce at eight o'clock precisely.

The sermon preached by the Rev. James Hill, ex-Moderator of the New Zealand Presbyterian Church, at the opening of the General Assembly in Wellington on Decem ber 4th has been published in pamphlet form, and we have to acknowledge receipt of a copy. The subject of the discourse was " The Pro bability of Christianity," and Mr Hill has dealt with the arguments of atheistical and scientific objectors in a clear and forcible manner. The sermon is published by request of the General Assembly, and may be ob r tamed from any city bookseller.

We have reoaived from the Rev. J. B^ Simpson, a little pamphlet entitled " Re miniscences of travel, being an account of a journey overland from Poverty Bay to Te Wairoa." In a country like this, where the features of inland districts are but little known, it is very desirable that those who have occasion to travel through little frequented localities should place their ob servations on record, as has been done by the Rev. Father Simpson. The little hroehure before us contains much interesting and valuable information relative to the dis tricts through which the writer has travelled, written in a fresh, attractive style, which makes it very readable by persons wholly unacquainted with the part of the colony to which it refers. We should be glad to see accounts of other journeys taken by the writer, produced in a similarly convenient form,

The French war ship Le Vire is now open to visitors, A description of her is ia our shipping columns. She is well worth visiting, and the Ferry Company take people there and back for the low price of sixpence each way, the boats calling every trip when so requested.

HgA meeting of the committee of the Cham ber of Commerce was held this afternoon. Mr Batger was appointed secretary for the ensuing year. It was agreed to ealarge the Chamber by inviting other members :— Several impoitant objects ia connection with the trade of the port were discussed, and it was arranged that the next meeting take place on the first Tuesday in February.

We understand that none of the fine sheep brought by Mr. Smith in the Glenlora, have been purchased for the province of Auckland. They will be conveyed to Napier in the Southern Cross, on Saturday. Id is a great pity that our local breeders should neglect such a fine opportunity of obtaining the very best English stock.

The weighbridge at the wharf has been closed to-day, in consequence of its being cleaned.

The fair section of the Good Templars of Dunedin have organised a Benefit Society called " The Daughters of Temperance, Dawn of Light Division." This society supplies medical attendance, medicines, and a weekly allowance to its members in case of illness, and provides a funeral fund at death, as also on the death of the husband of a married sister ; and should be well supported by the young women of the city—numbers of whom, though earning a respectable income by their own exertions, would find an illness of a few weeks, or even a shorter period, make serious inroads on any savings they might have accumulated when called upon to pay doctors' and drnggists' bills. At a recent meeting, the statement of accounts shewed a credit balance of £85. A doctor was elected, and a number of sisters initi ated as office-bearera of the order.

Val Voae, the ventriloquist, is making a tour of the country towns of Wellington with 1' Mrs Brown and Johnnie Trotter." He will probably come on to Auckland.

The next cricket match of Owen and Gra ham united will be against the employees of Messrs Me Arthur Sheraand Co, to be played on Saturday next ia tbe Domain—play to commence at 2 o'clock sharp.

The Sunday-school children of Trinity Church, North Shore, together with their teachers and fdends, proceed to-morrow on a picnic exclusion to Motatapu by the Taka puna, which has been kindly placed at their disposal for the day by the directors of the Ferry Company.

A calm day in Wellington ia such a phenomenon that the Wellington JPost makes a local about it, and says the ex perience wasn't pleasant. A thunderstorm in the afternoon, however, came to the relief of the astonished Wellingtonians who were beginning to get alarmed at the strange absence of the usually blustering wind.

A letter from the captain of the Taranaki Cricket Ciub has been received by a brother of the willow here, asking him to bring down an eleven from Auckland, and liberally offering to " lodge " the team during their visit, so that the cost of the trip would be confined to passage money. Arrangements having been made by which the Go-Ahead would convey the team to the Waitara in the early part of next month, and wait two days for their return, charg ing single fare for return tickets, an eleven had' signified their willingness to go and do battle with the cricketers at the garden of New Zealand ; but in consequence of the Go ahead having changed bands, there seemed a likelihood of the match falling through, but efforts are now being made to bring it off As the Taranaki cricketers were rather disappointed that our representative team did not call there on their tour last year, it is to be hoped that a favourable op portunity ■will occur before the season is over for an Auckland team to try conclusions with them.

The members of the Hob3on Company were put through their usual drill last even ing, in the Catholic Institute, after which a meeting was held under the presidency of Captain Dignan, when it was announced that Colour-Sergeant Connolly, having the neces sary favors, was eiegible1 for the position of aub-Lieutenant. The gallant sergeant was therefore declared duly elected, and the an nouncement was received with cheers.

Even during the recent hot weather the various water springs at Britomart Point are bubbling up. There is now a pool of water formed by the overflow of one of them close to the end of the railway platform. These springs should be utilised without delay, as everybody who has to buy it, is complaining of the price of water on the wharf.

The state of the various urinals in the city demands the attention of the Inspector of Nuisances. There is scarcely one in proper condition, owing to the constant overflow of the water, the supply of which wants regu lating, or else the means of carrying it away wants cleansing.

The Lyttelton Murder.

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

THE INQUEST YESTERDAY.

EVIDENCE AGAINST MERCER.

VERDICT OF WILFUL MURDER,

CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day. At the inquest yesterday on the murdered girl Isabella Thompson, a witness named Powell swore he saw stains on the prisoner's coat and comforter, and that his linen was smeared with blood.

The mate of the schooner Canterbury saw the accused with Isabella Thompson at ten minutes past five o'clock. He next saw him just before »ix at the railway station. He noticed them particularly. The girl stopped and looked him in the face.

John Darcy, cook of the Cleopatra, said the accused came on board at one o'clock on Sunday and changed his clothes. He saw articles of clothing floating near, and. .be lieved they were prisoner's. There was no tide to bring any other articles close to the vessel.

John Skeet swore he saw prisoner coming from the parsonage garden about three yards from where the body was found. He saw blood on his face.

Russell, a carpenter, said he travelled in the same railway carriage as the accused, who had the two scratches on his nose, and his hands were bloody. He told him he ought to wash his hands. He said he had been killing sheep. Annie Rouse and widow Toomey both swore to seeing prisoner coming from the Rev. Mr Pember's garden. Sergeant O'Grady gave evidence of the arrest and the distances from the places mentioned in the evidence to the scene of the murder.

The evidence given at the former inquest was read over by request of the foreman, and the jury, after a retirement of Bix minutes, returned a verdict of " wilful murder." Prisoner's counsel, Mr Joynt, was detained in the Christchurch Court, and was not pre sent.

There was no demonstration on the part of the public, though there was a very large attendance.

LYTTELTON.

(From oar Lyttelton correspondent.) This day. The evidence at the inquest on the mur dered girl, Isabella Thompson, pointed very fttrongTf to the guilt of Mirctr, Witaemi

called, proved to seeing him .in. thetram with bl<£dy| hands. The chain of evidence is completed. The jury highly eulogised the police for so quickly arresting him, and returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder against Mercer unhesitatingly. ij&saa^J

ANCHOVIES AND TOAST

(FROM OTTR LONDON CORRESPONDENT,

London, November 17. BISHOP PATTESOS, There is a delightful paper on Bishop Patteson in the current number of the Qvarterlv Beview. It is in Borne quarters atSbuStothepenof Mr Gladstone, but ?tin no way resembles his style However tSvesTverygood notion of Miss Yonges book and of thl life of your sainted bishop. ProbaWy the reason of Mr Gladstone getting the credit of the paper is to be found in the fact that a, peculiar allusion is made to the Fiji Islands which we have just annexed. The wuter gava that it has been seriously proposed by Mr McArthur, who is described as a fervid Wesleyan," that the British Government shall undertake the Government of Fiji. The writer adds : " Ihe consideration of this question is of no light responsibility. It Sunder the notice of the late Ministry by a recommendation from the Australian colonies, and the administration then advised Australia to take the step on her own responsibility, which Australia seemed far from ready to do." » So," adds the writer, »the political problem remains awaiting its SOlutiOn' C LEPJOAL SCANDALS. . There have been two or three spicy scandals this month which have served to vary the tedium of the dull season. The Erst was quite in the Beecher-Tilton style : The heio was a Baptist preacher of great renown in London, and this worthy thought fit to take into him a companion of the opposite sex, who entertained no ridiculous scruples as to the advisability of a marriage ceremony. Jne fair anonyma our preacher introduced as his wife, and, as the woman was fair to loofc upon and possessed pleasing manners, she was welcomed in the fashionably religious circles which her protector did most frequent. Whatever good qualities, however, the fair one possessed they were more than counter balanced by her habits of extravagance, and when the chapel accounts were gone into the parson and his friend were nowhere to be found. Pvumour says they have departed for America, and perhaps they may indulge you witn a visit, as I notice thab New Zealand is looked upon with much favour aa a retreat for the weak and erring. Another case is that of a Church of England parson at Liverpool, who, lam sorry to cay, has not only been in the habit of administering correction to his wife with a poker, but has established confidential relations with a young lady in that city, of such a nature as to call for Episcopal interference. J noSiced in a fornv-r" file of Stars received by me that some of your Roman Catholic friends objects to my story of a scandal connected with their church. They will please to remark that I have now shown their parsons to be no worse than those who talk about them. HOW WILLOWS WERE IMPORTED

INTO NEW ZEALAND

Are you aware of the manner in which willows were imported into New Zealand ? I was not, until the other day svhen I read Mr Bathgate's book, "Colonial Experiences." It seeme they are all lineal descendants of the willow which overshadowed the grave of Napoleon 1., at St. Helena. When the French made their unsuccessful attempt to colonise New Zealand, and sent a vessel with emigrants, the ship touched at St. Helena, and the passengers cut slips of the willow as mementoes. Some of the slips grew, and when the ship reached Akaroa the plants were picked out and have produced those numberless willows which are such an o:namenb to the shady gullies of New Zealand.

UNION SASH AND DOOR COMPANY.

The half-yearly meeting of the Union Sash and Door Company was held this afternoon at the office of Mr Tr L. White, Canada BuildiDga, when a satisfactory report was presented, and a dividend at the rate of ten per cent was declared payable at the office of the Company on and after Fiiday next, the 22nd inst.

COLLISION BETWEEN THE WILD DUCK AND MERLIN SCHOONERS.

Ax inquiry into the collision between the Wild Duck and Merlin schooners at Waikato Heads was continued to-day at the OnehuDga R.M. Court, before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M. ; Captain Clayton, Nautical Assessor; and H. N. Brewer, Esq., Collector of Customs.

Mr Thome appeared for the master of the Merlin, and Mr Laishley to watch the case on behalf of the Wild Duck.

Eugene McCarthy, master of the Merlin, deposed that he did not hold a certificate. I left Onehunga with three hands. The Wild Duck and Dawn sailed at the same time. I crossed the Waikato bar first, the Wild Duck being astern. After crossing on the first tack I found I could not weather the Wild Duck, and passed to leeward of her. The master of the Wild Duck put his vessel in stays, as I thought, too soon. 1 mean he might have made a longer board. My vessel had but little way on her. The Wild Duck ran into me, and damaged my mainsail, &c. It cost me £70 to repair my damage, and in consequence the vessel was detained three weeks after the collision. I came to Auckland and I saw Messrs Owen and Gra ham, the agents of the Merlin. I did not report the accident to the authorities in Auckland. When I arrived at New Ply mouth I went to the sub-collector of Cus toms and reported the affair to him.

The mate was next to be examined, and the case would not be over by 6 o'clock.

THE REV. CHARLES CLARK.

Thb Rev. Charles Clark will deliver his first oration this evening on the writings of Dickens, in the Choral Hall. We simply call the attention of readers to the advertise ment, in respect of Mr Clarke's discourse, -which promises those exquisite selections with which- the great writer himself in terested tens of thousands of silent listeners.

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

Thb new comic drama "Andy Blake," and the burlesque of the " Gentle Savage " were well received last evening at the Prince of Wales Theatre by an enthusiastic audience. Miss Amy Stone as ÜBual was the moving spirit of Andy, which character Bhe repre° santed with grace and fidelity. The Gentle Savage which has been ascribed to various authors, was played remarkably well, and the dancing of Maggie Knight added much to the liveliness of the piece. Mr Stone, Mr Deering, and the others of the company must also be credited with some good acting. Several excellent puns and jokes were scat tered among the audience, and took ama zingly, especially those touching the wide spread popularity of the Stab. The pieces will be repeated this evening under the patronage and presence of Captain Jac quenert and officers of the French man of warLe Vire. The representations will be interspersed with songs, duets, and dances.

A meeting of the Auckland Rowing Club will take place at the club- room, Thames H«tel, at seven o'clock this evening, and a meeting of the Regatta Committee at the •amc place at 7.30.

POLICE COURT. —This Day.

(Eefore Thomas Beckham Esq., R.M.) AT IT AGAIST. John McManus, accused of being drunk f©». the third time within three months, pleaded in defence that it was only the second time this year, but did not su^-^>touching &2( the compassion of the prefo, -ig aiag^|r^t%,/^l •who sentenced him to-; seven days hard 1 labour. ' — ■*»<' Samuel Dixon, William White, and Mary Ann Birte v, for past offences of the »ame nature, were fined 5s and co3ts each. A DESERTER. William Mattbison, who pleaded guilty to deserting from the ship Assaye, received a sentence of 12 weeks' imprisonment.

PERJURY. Albert John Herman, who was one of the witnesses in the TJaantless case yesterday, - was accused of having committed wilful tod 1 corrupt perjury. He was remanded till Monday. liRUNK AND VIOLENT. John Allen, the man who was brought m ; on Monday charged with being drunk and disorderly in Queen-street; and furtherrwith assaulting constable Walsh in the execution of bi3 duty, was bronght up again this morn ing, but Dr. Dawson having sent a certificate to say that the constable was not yet snffi. ciently recovered to attend, the case was further remanded till Wednesday next.

A HORSE ! A HOESE ! Archibald Hamilton admitted ihat hi« horse bad strayed in Beresford-street, » n( J., paid 10s and costs as the price of the ramble William Shaw was charged with a breach of the Municipal Police Act, 1866, by riding ' in a vehicle driven by two horses in the Kyber-pass Road on the 11th. of January without reins or anyone on foot to guide them.

It appeared that defendant was riding in a dray ; and the horses were quite uncontrolled. The defendant pleaded guilty, and wag fined 20a. and costs, his Worship remarking upon the gravity of the offence.

NEGLECTING HIS CHILDREN. John Lorentzin was charged with desert ing his children, Andrew Howard Lorentzin, Christian Lorentz'n, Isabella Lorentzin, Johu Frederick Lorentzin, and Marion Lorentzin, and leaving them without means of support. Mr Alexander appeared for the defendant, who admitted his responsibility in three out of the five ca?e3. Andrew and Marion weie not his children. They were born before.ha - cohabitation with his wife.

It was ultimately ssttled that the defen- , dant should pay 7s 6d per week for the sup porjb of the other three. Several city rate cases were down on the I list, but they were all settled out of Conit. This was all the business.

SUPREME COURT— Yesterday Con tinued.

CIVIL SITTINGS.

(Before His Honor Sir G. A. Arney, Knight Chief Justice, and a Common Jury.) :

CHITTY V. JOLLY. ACTION FOR £1000 FOR ALLEGED -i

MALICIOUS PROSECUTION. A special jury was empannelled consisting of the following gentlemen : Messrs W. Hood, G P. Pierce, K. J.usk, H. Allwright, T. ,/ King, S. W. Hill, C. Melntosh, T. S. Maae field, Robert Graham, E. Barfcley. H. M. Jervis, H. Morrow. Mr Robert Graham was chosen foreman.

Walter Chitty, the plaintiff in this action,. I deposed that the defendant was his first cousin, and that in consequence of letters : which he received from his cousin, holding out flattering terms and prospects, he wai. i induced to leave England in thesummerof 1872 and come to this colony. He joined his cousin at West Hamilton, and assisted him in farming operations until October 1-873, when he and his cousin agreed jointly to purchase a farm of Mr David Cowie, of Dunedin, for £1,800. They each contribu ted by money and cattle towards the neces sary stock and culture, and a deed of part nership at the same timewwass s drawa up by mutual consent. Plaintiff was j in the habit of transacting busi ness in the name of the firm, with the knowledge and consent of defendant. In February, 1873, he disposed of five calves to Mr Wood, a butcher, when one, a ball calf, - returned to the farm. Wood did not care to ■ have the calf back again, and it was given to Mr Hunt, a neighbour, in exchange for a heifer. Defendant afterwards professed to I be ignorant of the transaction, and grew" I angry about it. This, as Mr Joy remarked, was on a memorable day, viz, the Ist of - April, and on the 4th of April plaintiff was arrested on a charge of stealing the bull calf. . He was brought before Mr fcearancke, and admitted to bail, but the case was finally; g dismissed. Witness also gave evidence on : monetary matters in connection with the partnership. He was finally ordered off the ; | premises by Mr Jolly, who called him a |J deceiver of men. Witness having been cross-examined ax. < great length by Mr Hesketb, with a viewto the justification of defendant's conduct in causing witness to be arrested, the Court w«s | • adjourned until this morning.

THIS DAY.

Hia Honor took his seat at ten o clock. CHITTY V. JOLLY. This action, for the recovery of damage! for false imprisonment, was resumed thil morniDg, before his Honor the Chief Justice and a special jary. < * ■ Mr Joy and Mr Rees appeared for plaintiff, I and Mr Hesketh and Mr James Russell for defendant. Matthew D. Hunt, the next witneaa deposed that he was a resident at Hamilton, the plaintiff, Mr Chitty, was his son-in-law. He went into a farm in October 1873. H» remembered the bull-calf which he had seen om the farm, and which plaintiff was after wards charged with stealing. la February he accepted the calf in exchange *?' another, when he found that plaintiff had sold the calves to Mr Wood, he expressed t a wißh to have one, and as Mr Wood wm agreeable, he arranged for the bull calf with Mr Chitty, who said he would take a heu** calf in lieu of money. The bull calf was still in his stockyard, and no action had been taken against him. The heifer calf remained on the farm of Chitty and Jolly, for full two months ; it was then branded D.C. It was - afterwards taken across the creek to Mr Jolly's other farm. The exchange and brand ing took place on the 21st of February. bo ; monsy passed between him and plaintiff, but the exchange was fair and equitable. Mr Jolly spoke to him on the Ist April, ha was in hia paddock' and Mr Jo]ly was in the road. He said do you claim that bull calf on yonr premises as your calf. Witness replied that he did and that he had taken it in exchange ol Mr Cbitfcy. He then demanded the calf as his property when witness replied that the calf was his and he would Btick to it. Chitty then came out, and said that the calf did not belong to Jolly, but perhaps, aa he was kicking up a great row, the calf had £ better be given back to Jolly. Witness re fnsed to do this, and said,* Jolly may go to law, and he (witness) would bear the conse quences. His son-in-law, Mr Chitty, was subsequently arrested oa the charge of stealing the calf. The affair caused a great sensation ; it was a holiday, aud all the people were attracted to the scene. Cross-examined by Mr James Russell: Plaintiff is my son-in-law, and has been living in my house since hia marriage, some months ago; a road separates his farm from mine. Mr Chitty previously lived in a cottage on Cowrie's farm; captain Dawson lives there now, while Mr Jolly resided at Hamilton. I had no con vernation |with John Wood about the purchaoe of the calf* proious to th« Slat of February, *



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