SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER : This evening, 1.E6 ; to morrow morning. 2.37 STJN SET: This evening, 5.34 ; SUNRISE: to morrow morninsr. 6.38 MOONS AGE : Full Moon, 21st inst., 4 9 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Emu, s.s. from the Thames Southern Cross, s.s, Holmes, from Napier via Thames St. Kiida, as., from Wanganui (In the Manakau) Fawn, cutter, from Russell Sunbeam, achoo-er, frm t/he Coast Ebenezcr, school- r, from K^sell

••R* ' RT'RES Go-ahead, s.s fo G-' borne and Napier. Oretl, schooner, tor \a;>ier

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Sydney lb^n, b >.rqu«, early For Rnrotong*—Bl«nch., s hooner. early For Taima— Kffort, p % ea^y For >ast Coast-Bffie MeiaJe, schooner, early Vac San FrancUco-R.M sa Cyphrenes (English

Mail), 16th proximo. Tor Lendon- Rapido, barque, early ; W. W. Smith,

ship, early For the South—Phoebe, s.s., 16th inst. Southern Cross, mission vessel, for a cruise, Thurs day.

VESSELS EXPECTED

Cyphrenes, s.s, from Sydney, 16th inst Macgregor, R.M.s.s., from San Francisco. 25th mat Ladybird, s.s , from the South, 16th inst Kobina Dunlop, ship, from London Lanarkshire, ship, from London Caller Ou, ship, KMP X, from London ; sailed Vemglen, ship, from London ; sailed 2nd Januaiy W. W. Smith, ship, from Lyttelton, early ShootiDg Star, Darque, KS XV, from London ; sailed Dec 23

EXPORTS.

■per s s. Southern Cross for Nofolk Island : 70 pgs merchantdise, Owen & Graham ; 34 do hardware, T. * S. MGrrin ; 293 pieces sawn timber, Sash an>l Door Company ; 2 p?s saddlery. Wiseman ; 39 tins hiscu.it, J. S. Fairburn ; 5 do do, C. Burton ; 7 pgs, lioberton «fe Co ; 6 pgs ships gear, II F. Anderson ; 3 pgs, E. Wavtn ; 3 cases drugs, Hamilton Bros : 4 pgs, F. K. Conyton ; 3 cases wine, 2 osks bottled beer, Ido stout, F. Winter; 25 pgs, Shirley Rill; 1 box, Col. Kenny.—Sh'rley Hill, agent for T. C. Tilly, secretary Melanesian Mission.

The vs.s. Go-ahead left for Poverty Bay this afternoon with a full cargo and one or two passengers.

The ship Baron Aberdare entered out wards for Newcastle this afternoon.

A topsail schooner is signalled as we go to press. She is most likely the Kennilworth from Noumea and Isle of Pines.

The p.s. Effort and the ketch Fanny Kelly are to be sold by auction by Mr G. W. Binney, on Tuesday next.

The new brigantine Roderick Dim is advertised as open for freight or charter.

The whaling barque Callao, Captain Lee, which left the Bay of Islands on the sth January, arrived at Hobart Town on the 22i.d February, taking 75 barrels of oil on the way. At Hobart Town she transhipped the. oil of the alary Frazer, and was to sail for New Bedford at the end of last month.

The barque Pet, which left, the "West Coast some months ago with a cargo of kauri timber for Sydney, has "been put on the slip in Hobart Town for the repair of the injuries she sustained by grounding before she got away from this province. The repairs are spoken of in the Hobart Town Mercury, of the 22nd ult., as being of a very extensive character.

The s.s. Southern Cross, Captain Holme 3, arrived from Napier via the Thames at half-past five o'clock this morning. ?he landed 60 head cattle and ariout 890 sheep at Grahimstown. Captain Holmes reports ciltn weathsr dnring the run. Passengers from Wel lington : Mr and Mis Atkin ; steerage : Mr McLiugh ltn. From Napier: Messrs Kelly. Harris, C^rev, Hastings, Ellison. J. T%hode3, Stevens. Mrs Dean, Miss WcDermot, Mr Abbey, and 12 in the steerage.

The fine ship Baron Aberdare hauled away from the vbarf into the stream this morning. She has finished ballasting, and her new topmast being fix<!d she v.'ill clear out and sail for Australia in a few days.

The Mission barqneitine So cithern Cross cleaicd out to-day for Norfolk Island with a large cargo aa particularised under the heading of Export 3. Passen gers: Rev Chtrl-ia and Mrs Bice and 2 children, Rev A. Penny, Mr "WilliamTaylor ; steeraga : John Rand wick and Amos Reid.

The s s. Emu arrived from the Thames thi? morn ing in ballast. She is to talre in cargo for the Fiji at once. She entered out for Levuka at the Customs this morning. The s.s. St Kilda, Captain Flowerdav, left Wanga nui on the 12th at 2 p:m., and arrived at Onehnnea on the 14th at 2 a.m. Experienced light N.W breeze with fine weather. Passengers: Mr and Mrs Amon, Mr and Mra Scott, Mr and Mrs Smith. Mrs J. Bull, Mrs G. Bull. Mrs Grange, Mr Reid. Cargo :70 head cattle,SCO sheep, 30 piga, order. The schooner Ebenezer from Russell brings 40 tons coal for H GiiaHan. The cutter Coralie has entered outwards for Opo tiki via Tairaa with a cargo of stores.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Port Chalmers, this day. The Brace left yesterday evening for Timarn, with the Suez mail. Nelsox, this day. The Wellington arrived this morning at 3 o'clock from Sew Plymouth.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs B. Tonks and Co held a sale of teas to-day, which commanded a full attendance of ttie trade and resulted satisfactorily. A considerable number of lines were quoted at full prices, averaging from Is 5d to 28 2d in bond

Mr It. Arthur had a very good attendance at his Queen-street mart to-day. The house hold furniture and articles of domestic use averaged fair prices. The salvage from the wreck of the Pretty Jane announced for sale to-day by Mr G. W. Binney, was postponed for a few days.

STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Business'done to-day :— Bank of New Zealand—Sellers, £18 sa. National Bank-Sellers, 75a. Fiji Bank—Sellers, 58s. South British Insurance—Sellers, 49a ex div.

National Insurance —Sellers, 28s 6d. Standard Insurance —11s Gd. Caledonian (new)— Buyers, 10s ; sellers, 12s 6d. City of London—Buyers, 50a City of York - Buyers, 7s. Golden Calf (new)— Sellers, 4s 6d. Union Beach Sellers, 12s. Tokatea Sellers, 10s. Royal Oak—7s 6d.. Cure—Sellers, 9s. , Pride of Tokatea—Sellers, 3s 6d. Red Queen Sellers, Is. Una - Buyers, 2s 6d.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows . — For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p m, -Hid to-morrow, 9-30 am For No.-folk Island, per Southern Cross, on to-mor row, at 9 a m For Wacganui, per St Kllda, to-morrow, at 10 am For Waiwera and Warkworth, per Lady Bowen, tc merrow at 10 a m For Wangarei, Waipu, &c, per Wangarei, to-morrow, at 2 p m For Fiji Islands, per Emu., on Friday, the 16th inst, at 9 am For Great Barrier, per Petrel, en Friday, the 16th irst., at 1% am For Rorotonga, per Blancb, on Friday, the 16th inst, at 11 am For Ooromau.del, rer Manaia, on Friday next, tie lathiust, at 11.30ar0 For i^apier. per Southern Cross, on Friday, 16th mst, at 3 pm For Taramki and Southern Provinces, per Phrebe, on Friday, the 16th mat. at 3pm Per s.s Cjphrenea, on Friday, ICth inst, as under .— For Sandwich Islands. United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South Ameici. and, British and Foreign West Indie 3, at 10.30 a.m. Kor tha United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 10 .30 a m. For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 930 a m Late letters bearing an extrji fee of 6d will bs receive by the Mail Agent oa bo*rd up to time of sailint>d (Signed) S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

DEATH.

COSTELLO—On the 13th instant, at Alma Place, Freeman's Bay, Ellen, youngest child of Elizabeth and Michael Gostello, aged '1 yearn >

The funeral will leave her parent's residence at '■! p.m. to-morrow, the 15th instant. Friends please accept this invitation

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 1875.

For the cn'itf thru. Inclcs ns:'i.=fnnne, >'or the wrong !..ml uti-i!.-) ru.ij lance. *'ir ihe futurii in the iHstntic. Aiitt til a KO("i Jut vre ca.ii do.

Under the heading " What is a political leader?" we have received the following able and pertinent contribution, every word of which we cordially endorse. Your coiitom porary the Cross is playing a base game which it does not require ranch keenness to see through. A rare stroke of good luck has befallen the psople of Auckland. In the hour of their greatest political need, there has arisen among them a man of the largest sympathies, highest position, greatest ex perience, and most undoubbed disinterested ness and ability. With nothing on which to gain but the approval of his own conscience and the gratification of a generous mind in aiding to do good to his fellow man, Sir Geo. Grey has come to the front, and been hailed as a leader by the great mas 3of the people. With unerring instinct they welcome him with open arms, and offer taemselve3 with proud submission as his followers and supporters. The instincts of the people are true and honest, but unfortunately their political training is less complete. They know not the wiles practised upon them with honeyed tongue and tine visions, by those who, having their own purposes to serve, look wihh dread on a union of honest men under any leader, but worst of all under Sir George Grey. This party, represented by the Cross, knows well that its only chance is now to split up the people by the old rivalries and divisions, and to disgust Sir George Grey by petty difficulties and final defeat- Had Sir George joined them, what hurrahing there would have been! what banquets would have been given ! and what columns of praise in such papers as the Cross, devoted to his past greatness and present proud position ! But Sir George has taken the side of the people, and not of those who wish to pull the wires to which the people must dance. Sine illce lachrymos. Let the people then be ware how they allow themselves to be divided and be-fooled. They have a rare chance and an admirable leader. Let them not lose the one nor suffer the other to be harried and defeated through the wiles of their enemies. IE we want to know what the duty of a people or a party to its recog nised leaders really is, we need only read the proceedings at the election of the Liberal leader lately in London. The proceedings are given in full in the Mail of Bth February, which I observe is now lying on the Mechanics Institute's table. Mr Bright proposed the Marquis 'of Hartingbon as the leader. He told the diffe-^nt sections of the party, tb.B Nonconfor mists, the Secular Educationists, the Denuminationalists, the Good Templars, and the rest, that a leader they must have, and that they must follow him on all great sub jects where the Liberal policy was involved. Each must sink his own views for this pur pose, or they would cease to exercise the powerj in the State they had a right to expect. Mr Fawcett, Mr Morley, and Mr Villiers followed. They did not ask the Marquis of Hartingtdn to define his creed before they would follow him—as the Cross would have the people do with Sir George Grey, though content to dis pense with this condition, when inviting them to follow with perfect blindness

its own master, Mr Vogel. Sir, let not the people be blinded or divided. We have to look to you and. other independent ,'Onrnals to be their watch-dogs, and the guardians of their true interests. Mr White head, on the occasion I refer to, said of Mr Gladstone that "whenever he took up any public question, he possessed a wonderful power of lifting it up high above the pain ful strifes or petty opinions of any little clique or coterie, and of expounding it as a measure based upon clear, broad, principles, which made it alike intelligible to the good sense of Parliament and of the country." This is exactly the quality displayed by (Sir Geo. Grey beyond any public man in. New Zeal and. Let us surround him with, honest fol lowers, and his influence and power in the Assembly will enable him to carry oiit his policy, which is shortly expressed — the sovereignty of the people,, their entire self government, and the abolition of the cliques and coteries which now aspire to rule them instead.

In yesterday's issue of the Cross appears a letter from Mr Hugh Hart Lusk, purporting to be a defence of his position in relation to the extraordinary affair of the Poverty Bay land sale, and his dealings with the interests of Mr J, Siddons. In so far as the explanation goes we have no doubt Mr Lusk is entirely right, but it very scrupulously steers aloof from the real points that have arrested pub lic attention. It shows how the writer was authorised to pay in various cheques into his own account for collection, and how as cer- J tain schedules, prepared in the Supeiinteu dent's office, were sent to Dr Pollen, certain accounts were sent to the writer, being Pro vincial Secretary, and these were paid and so the accounts closed Ouone of these occa sions the missing cheque for £171 2s Gd was received, and paid into his account, and the account being closed, it was nob transmitted to the General Governnrnent. Such is the explanation rendered of this transaction, and one of the gentlemen, Mr Siddons, whose money was so dealt with having brought action against the late Provincial Secretary for loss sustained, and recovered less than one-half the claim, Mr Lusk thinks that " what may bo good law is but very scanty justice." We think, however, that there are a few things much more important in connection with this, to which the writer ought to refex\ For example, why was it that he so persis tently asserted thai; he had never received the money t and even if Mr Rice's nsemory of having " handed the cheque fur £17 ILJs Gd to Mr Lusk ' was erroneous, and the banker's asseition that " Mr Read's cheque for £17 12s Gd was paid to Mr Hugh Hart Lusk on the 21st October, 1872," was a mis take, how is it that the vvriternever discovered the amount in his accounts ? and does it not seem to him that it will strike most people as singular looseness in such a dolicate business a3 this jumbling up together of private and public moneys, that when the account came down from JJr Pollen, he did not see that either his chief clerk or Dr Pollen or somebody had blundered, and that the accounts did not square ? Accepting M r Lusk'si own explanation, there is a good deal here that requires further explanation. The writer says, "The manner of dealing with public fuuda is somewhat involved;" indeed we think so too, and so probably do the public, and it is this involvement we should like to see unravelled. Then again, a good deal is dependent on whether this money was rightly transmuted through Mr Skipworfch, the Clerk of tho E.M. Court; for if that gentleman was not a recognised recipient then the money was not legally paid by Mr Siddons. The late Provincial Secretary swore positively that he had not authorised the pur chasers to pay through Mr SUipworth. Oapt. Head and ten other principal residents at Po verty Bay, in a document, copy of which we published, "bear testimony to having heard Mr H. H. Lusk tell the public" to do bo. Mr Beckham appears to have inclined to the latter view, or otherwise he could scarcely have given damages. This singular differ ence of memory however requires explanation. Again it was clearly understood that the late action was to have been a " friendly suit." Mr Lusk personally requested that he should not be put to expenses by plaintiff bringing up witnesses who could substantiate Mr Siddons case, as he merely desired damages to be assessed by the Court in order that he, Mr Lusk, might have his remedy against the General Government for not fulfilling the sale. Mr Siddons brought no evidence, and to his surprise, at the last moment, the case was strongly contested. Altogether, we think there is a good deal of further explanation required. The case of Mr Siddons is one of extreme hardship. He bought his land and paid his money j and after striving long to get his grant, baffled now by being told that the money was not received, again by being told that though received, it was not sent to the proper quarter, knock ing about from post to pillar, he at last gets about half the mere expenses that the vain and fruitless search had cost him. People can form their own opinions on the whole transaction, and have already done so, but we think that most people —taking into account Mr Lusk's connection with this money and the whole affair, will admit the truth of his words—though perhaps with a different application—"ln this case what may be good law is but very scanty justice."

The civil sittings at the Supreme Court, which had been announced for this day, had been postponed until Monday next, when the sittings "will commence with the case of White v. Macfarlane and another.

A soiree and concert will be held in the Whau Hall on Tuesday evening next in aid of the church harmonium fund. The St. Sepulchre's choir will render gratuitous service, and several clergymen and gentlemen will deliver addresses suitable for the occasion.

A complimentary concert will be given to Senor A. Gonzales to-morrow owning in the City Hall, prior to his departu re for the United States. Ihe programme includes the names of our most popular minstrels, songsters, and dancers, whose performances will be duly patronised and appreciated.

We have been requested to inform the friends of the Melanesian Mission and members of the Church of England generally, that there will be a celebration of Holy Communion attheßishop's Chapel to-morrow morning at 9 a.m., prior to the departure of Rev. C. Bice and Rev. A. Penny.

:• WeI'would.direct attention to the letter Rees in another column replying to the brutal personal attack on him in this morning's Cross.

The meeting previously announced was held last evening in the Young Men's Christian Association, for the purpose of receiving the committee's report and to elect officers in connection with the Institute ; the Rev. Dr Mauusell, president, occupied the chair. After a few introductory remarks by the chairman, Mr Buddie, Hon. Secretary, read the report to the effect that with care and economy the association mi^ht be successfully worked. It suggested, thP,t the sum of £550 be placed in the hands of the incoming committee and disposed of as follows : reductiou of mortgage £350, pay ment of arrears' of in terc3t £108 ; necessary repairs, £50 ; and for adding books and pub lications to library and reading room, £50; total £558. Special efforts te be continued, for raising money to lessen the mortgage debt. Six trustees were then appointed, viz. Messrs Haultain, Peacock, Daldy, Holdship, Battley, and Buddie. Mr. Shalders suggested that the new committee should represent every de nomination, so that ie should not be regarded aa sectarian. He proposed the Rev. Arch deacon Maunsell as President, and Messrs. Daldy, Herepath, Newman, Prime, Haultain Coupland and Macffarlane, as Vice-Preai dents; Mr., Buddie as Secretary, and Messrs Buttle and Battley aa joint- Treasurers. These nominations were agreed to, and the following gentlemen were elected the committee for the ensuing year : Messrs Holdship, Barton, W. C. Daldy, jun,, H. Porter (Independent); Mason, Ilicbardson, Peacock, DingWal!, and Goldie (Presbyterian); Battley, Shaldera, Langinoro, G-. Main, Ewington, Elliugham, (Baptist) ; Lewis, Boardinan, Davis, Doonin, (Church of England) ; Thome, Baddle, Ellis, Weis man (Wesleyan); G. Hemus and Parker, Free Methodist ) Mr Brock considered that as the Society would be uusectarian, they might reasonably ask the Churches for assist ance, and one Sunday's collections might be set apart for this purpose. This question was left over for future discussion. A few other matters of minor importance were discussed, and the meeting closed in the usual way.

The Early Closing Association has exerted itself to good purpose in aid of the Mrs Holthain, whose case i 3 one of the most deserving that has ever come before the public. Mr (Jox, on behalf of the Associa tion, has handed over the sum of £'.) for the benefit of tiie unfortunate widow ; of this £7 14s waa collected through the exertions of Mr Long, from members of the Association. We are sure that such efforts as this in the direction of /practical benevolence will tend to raise the Association in the estimation of the uublic, to increase its influence and en list general sympathy in favor of the great cause with which thejname of the Association is specially identified.

The sagacity of some rlog3 is very remark able, and they c'.n he trained almost to any thing shori of speech. P<ear to Vincent street are some cottages encircled in gardens, apart from the public thoroughfares. Iv one of theac dwelJa Tua, a remarkably clever dog, who trots out regularly to muet the milkman, and opens his mouth for the due reception of the little tiu can, which ho carries with tho greatest care to his master, and never has been known to spill a drop of milk, nor disturb the cream. At six o'clock, this faithful creature, with _ his uncropped ears, trots regularly to a little corner shop for two copies of die ILveninu Star, with which he returns with unerring instinct and lays as his master's feet. Tua is a pretty, sagacious animal, and has been reared on temperance and vegetarian prin ciples

Once upon a time a motley group were wont to assemble in the atill moonlight in the old market reserve and which has now become a moonlight memory. The scene was somewhat grotesque and included a ricketty car, or horneJy platform, with a pair of gig-lamps of the days of George the fourth. On that car, which Criiiokßhauk might have sketched, a man was accustomed to stand bare-headed, declaim ing against the evils of the use of iu toxicatiug drinks with all the vehemence and farvour of Enoch VVray. On-a Saturday even ing we looked for that pictureeoue, lighted car, and that iluent speaker with the anti cipations of a child; but the scene has changed, the car is exhibited for sale among the lumber of a broker's shop, the cause so strongly advocated is fading from the minds of the people, and that eloquent orator 13 now turning a mangle.

We understand that the contemplated benefit to widow Holth&m and family, ten dered by <.'lair's Troupo lor Monday, April 1!), is postponed in consequence of the City Baud conceit being h«Jd at the Choral Hall on that evening. The concert will take place on Monday, April 20, when we have no doubt Mr Clair will be able to give a substantial sum to tho poor widow. The entertainment will take place in the Lorne street Hall. ,„,

We understand that a newspaper is about ts be started at the fast-rising township of Wangarei, by Mr G. E Alderton, who lately arrived from Wellington, where he

had been managing one of the evening jour nals. We wish the projector every success in his enterprise, and have no doubt of his energy and ability proving equal to the tesk

he is undertaking. Wangarei is an excep tionally well-favoured distric, with a large and thriving population, and the want of a newspaper has hitherto proved a most grievous drawback to the advancement of the settlement. Many difficulties must be encountered in starting a concern like this, and as a " newspaper is to commerce and the public what steam is to science" those of our mercantile community who'trade with Whangarei should give the new journal their support. We are requested by Mr Hennelley, who is now in Auckland, to contradict most emphatically the statement made in the telegram from the MackaytoWn correspon dent, of the Herald, in which it is asserted that Hennelley's party have offered £500 "to obtain possession quietly." Mr Hen nelley says no such offer has been made, and that his party is still in possession and at work, and will continue so. We know that news at Ohinemuri is very meagre just now, but a correspondent should not invent statemeuts for the pui-pose of tilling out a telegram, nor yet permit himself to be humbugged by interested parties. As will be seen from another column a

night-school has been opened in connection with Mr Harrison's City West ISTo. 2 district school, Wellington-street. We uuderstand that those classes will have the benefit of the tution of Mr B. M. A. Theorell who will have charge of the classes in Latin, French, German and Euclid. This gentlemen is known as a most excellent instructor in languages, and as the price of tuition in these classes is exceedingly small —namely a shil ling per subject, and a reduction if more sub jects than one are taken. We do not hesi tate to say that a very great boon is placed within the reach of persons desirous of im proving their education.

Tbe young rascals in the vicinity of Hob son-street are at their old games again. One of them last night put a stone, projected from a catapult, through the window of Mr Duffy's residence. There have been several narrow escapes from this habit of stone throwing in the same vicinity. Information has been given to the police, and the first offender who is pounced upon may depend that a term in Mount Eden and a whipping will be his inevitable fate.

The monthly firing for Lieut. Robinson's medal by the members of No 2 Company took place again this morning, and was won by Sergeant Bell for the second time with a score of 39. The next firing will take place at 6 a.m. next Wednesday.

THE GREAT KINGITE MEETING.

Our Corrsspondent Refutes his

Assailants

(Prom our Special Correspondent.)

TE KUITI,

April 8, 1575. "Work "by Moffatt.—Fiona? Mills, The King's pakeha Moffatt has built, at Te Kuiti, a flour-mill for the King, and at the present time Moffatt is busily engaged in completing another on his own land at Matarurua. Two natives will be sent to Auckland after the great meeting closes to bring up the mill-stones, which are already purchased at Auckland, and are lying in the warehouse waiting their transit to Te Kuiti. Another season the Hauhaus in this King's country will be in a position to grind their own grain at these two mills, and which will necessarily do away with their present prac tice of taking all grain to Alexandra to be ground. When I arrived by coach at Alex andra, on my way up to the King's country, there were several natives and half-castes waiting there for their grain to be ground. Both of these flour mills are worked by water-power, and can hold a good stick of grain in each of their warehouses. MoflVt is very ingenious in making all sorts of articles for cooking purposes. Jrle produces dishes, pannikins, pots and pans in abundance, and a great, many more very useful articles. When he built his smith's nhop he had not even a hammer; but by degrees he succeeded in making a complete flat, commencing, of course, with the tsmallss', and so up to the top of the scale. He has also constructed all the other necessary tools employed in blacksmith's work, and now has as good a show of tools as any blacksmith in Auckland. There ia also to be seen in the King's country four threshing machines, three of which are those known a3 the roundabouts or whirlygiga, and the font th is called the headmill, all of course being .worked by horsepower. Taey have no win nowing machines, but use riddles, making U3e of the wind to blow away tho chaff. This process is of necessity a tiresome and very slow one, but the natives are vci'y indifferent to the length of time taken up by this ancient process. They have great numbers of ploughs, but I have not sov.n any double furrowed ones, and generally speaking they use oxen to plough up the laud, juso as nt the present day it is carried on iv tho interior settlements of Canterbury.

T&wM&o Expected- The King is expect': I hce on Siturday, so that the talking will no doubt be begun on Sunday, not their Sunday as they have only a Sunday every tenth day, making three weeks exactly in each moach through out the year.

Strasge Hauhau Custom- There is a stra'igu custom atnong-ifc tlie fiauhau", which I do not thiuk I have pre viously related. It is that on the doj.th of a native his surviving wife givea all her cattle, etc., away to the hapu to which she belongs. If she marries a^ain and has chiidren, the young ones of the cattle are given as a pre sent to her cliildrcn. I was shown a horse that had baen giv.-n to a boy, and a young heifer which had been presented to his sister, these being the offspring of the cattle their mother gave away to her tribe at the death of her first husband.

KIHIKIHI.

April 10. Taw Mao's ITon-Arrival-

I have just arrive 1 here disgusted at the . delay caused by Tawhiao's non-arrival. Ifc I is, however, uu new tiling for the King j to serve meetings in that way and is i apparently in accordance with his idea? of f kingly dignity. One reason assigned for hi-; action is also a disinclination to take pa:t in limiting the privileges and rights of his own | tribe who, although " stranger;! ;;nd pilgrims !I on the Ngatiniamapoto lauds h-ive becbnaeJ fastened on to it; pretty firmly. H ■ has also been coquetting with tbo Native Minister wholly against the wish of the leading chief;;. The natives are very much auaoyed but are waiting on encouraged by the expectation that the King will shortly appear on the scene, as he had left Kawbia and come the greater part of the journey, when he again hung back. Howeier, the natives are much more patieut than we pakehas, and take tho delay very philoso phically, and have amused themselves by con suming the provisions, borse-mcing, etc. Meanwhile, although a few natives nave gone away, others have arrived, among them the Thames chief Te Hira aud about forty or lifcy followers, including Kapeni's brother. The notable chief Te ivloanauui. of Okinemuri renown, I am informed, was pressed to go but refused, as he considers himself consider j ably higher than King Tawhiao. If I tint k there is anything important likely to be done at the meeting 1 shall go back, but this now seems very doubtful. Loafing Newspaper Correspon dent on the Boundary. Since my arrival here I have seen the C) oss of the 6ih instant, which contains telegrams attempting, •by a series of contradictory statements, to throw doubt on my letters - first by stating that I am a Pakeha on a visit to Moffatt at Te Kuiti; next, that my name is John Nott, and that I did not get beyond Kopua, where I was said to have been stopped by Kewijnext, that there are only 200 natives at the meeting (although with regard to this statement, it is evident that some one in the Cross office is a greater aas than their Alexandra correspondent, as the latter evi dently meant visitors ; if you refer to my first letter you will find that I stated the number not hauhaus correctly at only 250), and lastly the Cross reproduces from the Thames Advertiser a telegram stating that my descriptions of the country are in accurate, which only the editor of the Star could be guilty of!" The sender of this latter telegram i find is an interpreter named Wilkinson from the Thames, a minion of the Native Office, who was sent up to glean what information he could in connection with the secret service of that department He, like his master, is very much annoyed at anyone who prys into the domains round which such a veil of mystery is thrown with a view to bolstering up that rotten ■■ institution, which is feediog on the vitals of the country. It would be easy for me to expose these ridiculous statements, which so flatly contra dict themselves; but it is hardly worth occupying your space doing so. It will be noticed that the Alexandra correspondent of the Cross, who gathers his information from a half-caste, and any drunken loafing Maoris who may come into the settlement, says I am a Thames man on a visit to Moffatt, at Te Kuiti. Now Moffatt does not live at Te Kuiti, feut on his own land (which was presented to him by the leading chiefs on his recent marriage to his wife, E.uth, one one of the Fgatimaniapoto tribe,) at a place called Matarurua, distant beyond Te Kuiti about seven or eight miles. Has Mr Wilkinson been to Te Kuiti ? If lie says that I am at Te Kuiti, and being the only white man there excepting Moffatt, how was it, if lie was ever there, that he never saw me ? Was he ever past John Lewis' store ? Another assertion made by the Cross cor respondent shewing the value of his state ments is sufficient, namely, that about the 200 natives being the whole number present. The native population around Te Kuiti alone numbers over 1,000. I notice that the corres pondent, seeing he had made afool of himself, adroitly changes his statement in a subse quent telegram by the addition of "0" making it 2,000. The Cross correspondent eontinuea to expose hie ignorance. He says there are perhaps 200 visitors from

Hauraki, Ngatihana, Wanganui, ftgairo's people. Tnere is no one from the adjacent settlements, nor from the Waikato, or the coast. Referring to my first letter you will find the Wanganui natives mentioned. Are not Wanganui and Hauraki on the coast? Then with regard to the statement ♦ There is no one from the adjacent settlements," he does not tell you why they were not allowed to come. The reason is, because there are too mnny half-castes amongst them, and the real natives do not like to trust them, they believe them to be go-betweens. The state ment that the half-caste Thompson is very indignant at the account of hia appropriation of Jtlewi's watch is quite correct, but the story is nevertheless true. In the statements by the Cross correspondent and Mr. Wilkinson, care is taken not to furnish anj particulars, or shew where the alleged inaccuracies exist, but make vague general statements without supporting them by facts. However, the public, I am satisfied, are too wide-awake to be gulled by these chagrined gentlemen, and I shall take no more notice of them.

Racing Notes.

THE AUTUMN MEETING.

The Committee of the Racing Club have at lass issued their programme for the Autumn Meenu, and have very wisely cut down the priz s (m the place of raising the prices of admission to the course) to an amount which may reasonably be expected to leave a surplus to the funds of the Uiub, and will encourage plenty of local celebrities to compete, if it daea uot attracb many ftom the South. On the first day (the 24th. of May) there will be a Trial Stakes of 30 soys., with a sweep of 2 says. added ; a Hurdle Race of 30 soys. ; St. Le»er of 100 soys. ; a Birthday Handi cap o£ GO soys., with a sweep of 5 soys. ; and a Hurry Scurry to wind up with. This should give a fair day's sport, and I fully expecc to see large fields with the exception of the St. Leger, which, unfortuuately, closed twelve months since with only four subscribers. This may not make a race at all, but the other will make up for this one. On the second day we have th« Champagne Stakes of 100 so vs., closed with eight sub scribers ; Steeplechase of 50 soys. ; Handi cap of 30 soys., with a sweep of 5 so vs. ; Selling Race of 30 soys. ; and Consolation of 20 Bova. The Champagne is for two-year olds, and will bring at least three to the front belonging to Auckland ; and if by chance one should put in an appearance from Kelson, we may expect to see a good iace. The prize for the Steeplechase is rather small, and may deter one or two training, still 1 expect to see a fair field go for it. I hear there are lots of horses in work, and with good weather I hope to see two good day's racing. As the horses train on, I will from time to time enlighten my readers upon their movements. lam glad to see the Club have resolved to trust to the public to subscribe the necessary funds to carry on the races instead of raising the prices of admission. A personal canvass round the town ought to be made, and if every tradesman and business man were to give something we should hear the last of the Club being in debt. The public, know full well that races are a great benefit to a town, as crowds flock in from all directions to see them. Look at Melbourne, it is computed that one in seven of the whole population of Victoria attend at Flemington on t-fea Cup day.

DUNEDIN RACES

The Dunedin races are now over, and, from the Southern papers, everything seems to have gone off very successfully. There ■were good fields in all the conte3t3, which does more to popularise racing than any thing. The public do like to see a number of horses contest for each prize, instead of two or three ; but I hope in a year or two we shall be in the same position ourselves. Mr Le.amaine took the lioa's share, having won the Dunedin Cup, Publicans' Purse, Jockey Club Handicap and Towa Plate, with that gallant littls bay Templeton ; the ■.Newmarket Stakes with felfin King, and the Consolation with Hercules. This is a fair shure for one man, but no one will regret his succf-Sis, as he is a thorough sportsman, and backers of this stable caa always rely upon having a straight run for their money. Teniiiieton must have an extraordinary con stitution, as he has stood a lot of work and travelling; and wherever he runs has always been the very pink of condition, which must be of the greatest satisfaction to his careful trainer, Sam Haines. The other races were pretty equally divided between Captain Hutchinson, Messrs Nosworthy, Coonibes, Gour:ay aud Goodman. I think the Dunedin Committee should next year declare the weights for the Jockey Club Handicap after the tirst day's races, and make the winner of the Cup carry a penalty in the Publicans' Parse as this year. Templeton met the same h<.se-> in each handicap on about the same terms as he did in the Cup, notably Traitor in the Publicans' Purse, making it almost a moral for Templeton.

THE CHRISTCHORCH MEETING.

The Christchurch Autumn Meeting takes place on the 23rd and 24th instant. The weights for the big handicap have already appeared. The handicapper seems to think Yatterina as good a mare as she was two years ago, as-he has imposed Sat. 121bs ; to my mind half a stone too much against Parawhenua 5 years, 7st. 51bs. ; Guy Fawkes. 7st. 21bs; Traitor, Sst. 21bs ; Hercules, Gst. lllbs.jand Templeton, 9st. 71bs. At our late races, in the Grand Stand Handicap, Parawhenua Sst. 41bs. beat her, carrying Bs. lolbs. ; won by Templeton 9st. 51bs. Again in the Free Handicap, Yatterina carrying Sst. 51b., Parewhenua won in a canter by four lengths, carrying Sst. 71bs. At Hokitika lately, Yatterina carrying 7st. 21bs., beat Guy Fawkes, a three-year-old, by two lengths, carrying 7st. 71bs., which must prove that Yatterina has lost her old form, and that compared with Guy Fawkes and Parawhenua she is too heavily burdened. I shall pin my faith to Traitor, Parawnenua, and Delmaine's best. Tadmor or Ngaro ought to win the Ledger, and Gilda the Champagne Stakes, Lurline's half sister.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

[Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., R.M.] VAGRANT SKULLS ! Robert Bash (alias Cosh), and Peter Brown (alias the '' Wild Man of the Woods "), were charged with being drunk and disorderly last night. Bosh, or Cosh, pleaded not guilty. Sergeant O'Connor shewed that prisoner was drunk beyond the shadow of a doubt. Constable M'Grath proved that prisoner was helplessly drunk. Sergeant-Major pardy corroborated the statement of the constable's evidence. Piisoner, who was a fiddler, deposed that he was not drunk. His Worship said the case was proved ; there was no doubt but that prisoner was drunk. Ten shillings and costs. Peter Brown acknowledged his error, and was limed ten shillings and costs. BLOOMING FOLLY. Mary Howley, of Chancery Lane, was charged with being drunk aiid disorderly last night. This woman, rudely attired, with a face and nose discolored by excessive drinking, was charged with being drunk for the forty fifth time within the last two years, "pleaded guilty, and was sent to the "r6gues retreat" for seven days. Mary bowed her head and departed. A HARD CASE. Richard McColville was brought up on a charge of neglecting his child at Kelson.

Defendant considered it a hard case. B*§l| lived with his wife till within the last two 1 years, and was a faithful husband and will. ||| ing to support his two children. In spite of all his attentions, his wife took up with a new lover and turned her back upon him. » His Worship told him that by paying £10 he might have his liberty. Defendant said he had no money. The case was remanded until Monday '. next. THE LATE ACCIDENT. James Lamb, of Queen-street, appeared in% answer to a summons charging him with a breach of Inspection of Machinery Act. Mr Lamb pleaded guilty. Mr Brookfield said in this case he would | only ask for a nominal fine, as it was the wish of Mr Jobson that public attention should be called to a certain clause in the ' Act which renders ifc compulsory to gi ye ; notice within one month from the erection of J machinery on any premises. His Worship said, under the circumstances, the Court would impose a fine of Is and costs, CITY KATES. A number of persons was summoned for non-payment of city rates. Mr Harrop came into Court loaded with about twenty-four books accompanied by Mr J. B. Piussell, solicitor to the Council. The list was in a moment reduced to one cose, in which judgment was recorded in favor of the Council. Mr Pvussell having addressed the Court at ' considerable length on the duties and diffl-' T culties of official life in connection with the . city rates, retired, followed by Mr Harrop ■ with his pile of twenty-four books on bis shoulder.

This was all the bysiness

PONSONBY CLUB HOTEL.

Thb above is the title of a large building about to be erected at the fop of College road " for Messrs Seccumbe & Son. The plans and specifications have just been completed by > the architects, Messrs R. Keals and Son, and tenders are nosr being called for by advertise- ■ meut. An examination of the drawings shows that the projectors have recognised the great want there exists in and about Auek- • land of a realiy first-class private hotel,to the door of which a man may walk or drive with his wife and family, and not be reproached with taking them to a "• public house." The new hotel is to have its site on the angle of the Ponsonby Road, facing the ;• descent of College Road, and a finer or more commanding site cotild scarcely be found in ; Auckland. The favorite modern Italian has, bee^,selected as the style of architecture to be ' i employed. The front, which is about 50ft. in length and takes the shape of the angle of the road, is ornamented in a rich bnt chaste manner. The grand entrance is noticeable for its imposing appearance. Two, fine Doric columns flank the large double doors. On entering, the visitor finds himself " in a lobby 10ft. x Gft., which brings him into a hall about 7 feet wide. Facing hint is : the central staircase of goodly proportions. Opening from the hall on either side are two sitting-rooms, or parlours—each 15ft. x 12ft. Beyond that on the left, is the dining-room: . a fine, spacious apartment—2oft. long by 12ft. wide, with a serving hatch at the fur ther end, through which the eatables are passed from the kitchen, which adjoins in the rear, and is ako well-proportioned, being lGfb. x 12 ft. Scullery, store-room, and all the other necessary offices are con veniently situated near the kitchen. Opening from the hall on the right-hand- side is the > bar parlour, a square apartment of good size, contiguous to whichis the bar, occapying ' the extreme western corner of the building: The bar of the Ponsonby Club Hotel will be ' entirely hidden from view from the outside, and although it will not be absolutely closed Tr ta the general public, so little prominence is to be given to this department that the only. , entrance from the street will be by a wickefc gate in the adjoining fence, which. wiE afford access to .a side door. The object of the hotel will be to provide comfortable surburbau quarters for families en route, or waiting for a house, and the bar trade is inten ded to be entirely subsidiary. There are to be seven bedrooms on the upper floor besides.,, the drawing room, the general sittingj room, bath room and closets. Another spacious hall is immediately over the lower one, having a doorway leading out on to *s balcony running the entire length of thej front. The windows on the ground floor are? supported on lonic pilasters. The material, of the front is rusticated boarding painted i and sanded over to give it the appearance 6i> stone. The windows on the upper floor are circular headed. Under the cornice we have. cantalevers, with pannelled balustrading above. The balcony is supported on ornai mental iron columns, and has a delicate frieze! » running along it.

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

The "Peep o 1 Day" was repeated last evening with a success equal to that of the. previous evening, Mr and Mrs Darrell re presenting the leading characters of th»^ Kavanagh's with consummate skill. T1& other scenes and characters were in goad* order, and aided in making " Peep c' Day one of the most amusing pictures of the green isle that has yet been presented to the people. of this city. To-night will be presented that remarkable comedy by Mr Tom Taylor, en- titled "Still waters run deep," Mr. Darrell as John Mildmay, and Mrs. Darrell as Mrs. Sternhold; concluding with that lively farce, the absurdities of which draw both, tears and laughter from the listeners.

MISS PATTY HOLT AND ME. SAM POOLE.

We call special attention to the announce ment of the benefit night at this theatre on Friday, the 16th inst., in. favor of these popular favorites, which we have no doubt will meet with a hearty response. ..Thejte. players, in connection with the very talented company, which, for the last few weeks have been amusing the people, are deserving of a substantial recognition of their hiatronic services. We are glad to notice that Mr and Mrs Darrell have generously consented, to give • their assistance, in order that the -performances shall be worthy the occasion. All the other members of t&e company will also appear on the evening mentioned. The acting of Miss Patty Holt is oE that graceful character which alwayß commands the attention and wins the appro bation of persons of taste ; while the >n^?r sant humour and flashes of wit which fail from Mr Poole ever keep the audience'injl good humour, and send them home in such a merry mood as prevents all disputes and makes slumber light and dreams pleasant. The selection for that evening includes the fine comedy of the "Mexican Tig/ess," and the much admired drama of " Time and jfcjMj Hour." In the comedy Mr and Mrs Darrell will occupy the leading positions, and in.tnie last Mr Poole and Miss Patty Holt will con vulse the listeners with laughter in the per sons of Mr and Mrs Montgomery Brown. .

CAPTURE OF A SHARK.

A lab che shark was taken in the harbour to day, at noon, by watermen Kean, senior ana junior. The monster had been seen swim ming about early in the day, and Kean put off in his boat to try and catch him. J-f 9 fish must have been a very voracious one, for he took the bait very quickly. He was hit by the hook, but managed to get on. Some minutes afterwards he was booked again, but again he got away. The thira time he was not so successful, and the nooK took firm hold. The unwieldy forager Pr °T?* a tough customer, and he was only kulea after greit exertion. The shark is one gy the blue genus. It Is nearly llfeefcjandf m broad and heavy. It will be on viewjtii'i evening and to-morrow on the wharf. |-

lllrfHl^Ms^ WtA% I^E!DN^SPA.y^ APRIL 11", 1198



pITY pLOTHING IyTART, 92, QtJE E N ST It EET, NEXT DOOB TO THE AUCKLAND HOTEL '' ;' ' AND Opposite the National Bank. rpHE ENTIRE BUSINESS J- is now carried on in the One Establishment, where the Public will find an ENTIRELY NEW STOCK, which, for Cheapness and Quality, cannot be Equalled in New Zealand. Every requisite for Gentlemen's wear in stock. "''"' "''"Men's, Boys' and Youths' Clothing, r , f .. ~ Hats. Caps, Scarves, Hosiery, . , : ■ vjMit.: ■-.. portmanteaux, & C-> &c. S A M U E L C O 0 M B E S, 92, QUEEN-STREET. jnoOD VALUE FOE MONEY AT THE CIT V HAL L. NEW GOOD Itf ALL DEPARTMENTS _.Vj • By every Vessel from England. VST Opening up now— WINCEYS, MERINOS, SILKS, ;-i5- : ; :.v ;■....:. FANCY DRESS MATERIALS ~.}-'•;• i BLANKETS, .-'" SHEETING, QUILTS, DAMASKS, -,- r < BOYS' & MEN'S "WINTER CLOTHING, XiAJJIES' HATS, . " UNDERCLOTHING, PANCY HOSIERY. HOLLOWAT & GARLICK, CITY HALL, rrry tt , 2?°» Qiieen-street, Auckland out for



T^OTICE OF BEMOVAL T. ELLISON BOOT MAKES, HAS BEHOVED TO TEMPORARY PREMISES Opposite the New Market Queen-street Be on the Alert if you have symptoms announcing tho approach of kidney or bladder dis orders. Pains across the kidneys, turbid urine, difficulty hi passing water, burning in the urethra, proclaim that something is wrong, and that "somr thing," it' disregarded, may develop into a most serious evil. Delay not a moment if there is the slightest urinary difficulty to apply the remedy especially recommended by the faculty for such dis orders, 'Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Akomatic SOHKAPPS.



The Mexican Tigress



and



Time and the Hour



on



Friday Evening,



April 16.