SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER : This evening, 7.35 ; to morrow morning. 7.51 SUNSET: This evening, 7.18 ; SUNRISE: to morrow morning, 4.67 MOON'S AGE: Last Quarter, January 8,1875

ARRIVALS.

Atlantic, schooner, from Russell Dawn, cutter, from Raglan (in tha Manukau)

DEPARTURES.

UREB. I

For SydmmflffirpTTßrsri Satpfday, noon ; wonga WoDgaTTrsT abort? rath instant For the South—Ladybird, s s, Monday next ITor Out fttftfiQy l^*TQne. Saturday l<w JBHrj*! ™elbourne» 8.M.5.5., or I&TOMW"Jrl& ]£• JswW"Vsrchooner early l"or BamMK^wt)^m) <) t>nel > to-morrow T*or Ly£wKon^-Mni§Knftrrsfiipl Monday ; Albion, brig to-morrow; Flirt, brigantine, early JPor iiondon—City of Auj»Si§>id. ship, Isth Jan For aiQJaiaß« ; SboU(i»(K(t,Cfc(tfßli Missionary barquentine efflmn, cutter, fiom Ksgl

VESSELS EXPECTED.

City of Melbourne, ss, fToltt Syduey, 21st instant ■wonga wonga, ney- e, ar]y H.M.a, Blsmd^-wigftytfnfey, eaily CospfirTcMp^*wo»*lJ<J*ion ; sailed Bth September DUhaxM bfeg^ ♦rfi^i'DSfiaon ; sailed October 2 WarvTOkjSrOrMPßiMrfn; sailed October 11 InvßmoeXS^«om ay^njabn ; sailed October 30 AnsS^afefie^irßttplfedapn ; sailed October 28 Kapi^MMflbJl&tarl^cyork^ia Adelaide, loading Edittf»o*^'ra*gHe7 W«^New York; sailed Sept. 18 Cfaantidefe^^frojfiMKfebait Town, early VißioftPtn^SpfirßfiffefllD, early Bdit?MJcftd2gW.etrlfiWfe«ith Sea Islands, early DauiitlesS*^!}, schooners, from New Caledonia JGuropa, barque, from Sydney, early Kenilworth, scbooflßESftßm Samoa, early Sir lOityßtiftßJfcpmebepße', from Lyttelton MagetfemgacWljift-aps early £yndPbiHgantau(cbH)iArAotumah, early Clematis, ketch, few- Papua, schooPE^XfOIITS. " PexCS&piaiigK, ship, ffar London, via Lyttelton : 3 'balealWlbV&;<ats«»q€&iI *l?t>ell aTL& Co- 5 238 baSs cobra, A BiT»ata^*,aftfc&qfitei Fiji Banking Company; 2G9 hide^iiieiatecssM*i*ioMacfal'lane j 190 bales wool, 1 bag, Kww^eiSiaASolWiand Mercantile Agency Co.: 62 bnßapftlbii&irtiiSyil&jms; 1 bale, J. Osborne ana Co. jßaithagSS&aßgJiff^e, Jno. Hay; 27 bales wool, Jno. <B»lJrtfliflße*n§refo.f 94 do do, 3 sheep skins, B. GittoVlßi&i,Q»j^SiSJEi Zealand Shipping Company, " agenWdith, Bthoon*r. fi FeWM&attofiipX3stii&ton : 200,000 feet timber.—M. Niee<Mjitgpl».ti>ar<xne, fi Kenilworth, sc&o< Thfi^^^-I^<4?% tbe Captain T. Short, arriT^^^r^mrmffcOflst evening, with a cargo of 48 tonscofflß*froiS.^re^ay of Islands, for Mr M. Niccol. TMs is the first voyage of the ketch since her mis fortuneaatnthe Great Barrier in August last. The ordet^^S^e^o^spwjis given prior to those mishaps, and TOtaj|jPgg|/?P%^y expected the consignment ThW^fr^^ffiW^cleared' out this afternoon for Lytt§|fj3^P§l^P§go of timber. She is to sail to- Tbs?Wi«^^!fe^ffi arrived in the Manukau from i Kag^BS^paMo SS(j pigs, 2 bales wool, Buckland; 1 foagS&^fijrittos.'" Passengers : Mrs Mitchell, Miss Ijever^j-^njLi'WQ.na/tives. Tl»3n^2nSfflras con the hard at Onehunga having anewproptefl«rn£ed,,and for general overhaul. The s.s. Hero leit the wharf this morning on an excuraHajt^Mefcitapu. A large number of persons tooSsMitwHtage figjhe trip, including a great many '-. childotsß. coals froir TUESMfeiJaQtoittfa hiving landed her powder came Tip tfcsrUaacfePUt tftrly this morning, and anchored off TkffcteertfosteMHer being built at the Worth Shore '*' for Qnpttator T&H6ffegor and others, is to be launched to-nwMolFlffleeiQfweather permitting. The3SJsrl«%OQ!uer built by Messrs. Niccol, to the ordefcjdftdQtocpi^witVnderson and Mr McEwen, has been BoldjfaerMfissrs. Bowerman and Co., of Dunedin, for jGl,BooThSbiuiteto be launched about the end of the presßafcfcßcntlCar the tetirl:hiclShe was hauled into the borth just vacaEserlaoePaftiaV'aitanjji at 19 o'clock. Theittßssisis-Aili harbour flew their flags half-mast to-dawaw pooseliuence of the death of Captain Jones, late ofTSto^kilcßiist. TtesaohsSsinetDAtlantic brings 93 tons coal for Mr H. Gilffflafcadvant Ttofa&drqne Otago has cleared in ballast for New castleJUShdii?) to sail to-morrow. Tlnpstibßtaet Blanche is to sail for Karotonga to morroShavit&wi small cargo of timber, a quantity of tanl&^raflladptaßJiiist. to-morrow . =—

The TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

order of G; Napieh, this day. TJwltkfaDcftter Kate McGregor, arrived from Auck lana£l*flH)th£ schooner Onward from Mercury Bay, yesterdagujt m

COMMERCIAL.

BtTOKLAND'S WEEKLY BEPOBT.—At EemTfei L pff Thursday, very few dairy or store cattle ■werfeggfihgit; they were reqiiired, and full prices were pbtau&f JroK all offered. Fat cattle in full supply; 145 headjgMpieii; prices for best quality slightly ad- VaneeflL 'Store sheep unsually plentiful, but many of rnfpymr quality, and these sold at low values; faii|ygE£fi{ysheep sold well. Fat sheep and lambs in full supply, above 1000 sold ; a free sale throughout, at fully last week's values. Fat calves scarce. Pigs in moderate numbers and in demand. Prices given were hrdFor Auckland-fatted cattle, 25s to 30s: Ship bon^zojuo 27s 6d the lOOlbs ; fat sheep, 3d to 3^d the^^^ras lambs, 12s to 19s each; store ewes, 6s to 17siKrj*wethers, 8s to 15s; porkers, 5d the lb., dead weiyiU. —

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Ci.ose as follows:— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p £m, and to-morrow, at 9.30 am For Mahurangi, Matakana, Mangawai, Waipu, &c., per Lady Bowen, to-morrow, at 10 a m. For KarotoDga, per Blanche, to-morrow, at 1p m For Australian Colonies, per Hero, to-morrow, at 11 a m Per s.s. Ladybird, on Monday next, 11th instant, as under :— r For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 9 a m For Taranaki, Southern provinces, and Australian Colonies, at 10 am For United Kingdom, via Suez and South ampton, (for letters specially addressed), at 10 a m For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi, and late letters for Southern provinces and Melbourne, at 10.15 a.m. For newspaper?, at 8 a m For money orders, and registered letters, on Saturday, the Bth imtant, at 6 p.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, &nd British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a m. For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. ; Fur money orders, registered letters, and news papers, &t 10 a.m. Late letters bearing an extr* fee of 6d will ba received by the Mail Agent on board up to time of sailing N.B — Ths new issue of Postal Guides can now be obtained at this office.-

S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster

DEATH.

Nicholson—On the Btli insfc., at his residence, Karangahape Road, John Robinson Nicholson. M.D. ; aged 44 years, formerly of Wedditch, "Worcestershire. The funeral will leave his resilience on Sunday, the 10th 'tnst., s.t 2.30 pm. sharp. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1875

For tlic cause that l:iel;s assistance, For the wron^ t. at iib.mm ry.-Utauje, For clie future in the disl;inc\ And thti good that we ciUi do.

We have the pleasure of announcing that to day we enter on the sixth year of the existence of the Evening Star ; and we shall be pardoned if, as usual on our anni versary, we indulge in a little retrospection. Many and important have been the changes since first this journal formed relations with the people of Auckland, and it affords us great gratification to note the growing testi mony afforded tbab those relations are as satisfactory to our fellow-citizens as they are gratifying to ourselve3. When first we essayed the task of communicating our inleas on passing events it was our resolve to intro duce a new era in local journalism. There tofore the practice had been to 3peak in what is called in th 9 vernacular a "gingerly" fashion of wrong and wrong-doers, and the fear of giving offence, permitted certain to do with impunity what in other places would be intolerable. We resolved that this state of things should end, and that cost what it might, the biggest equally with the least should be made amenable to public opinion. It is unnecessary to recount the troubles into which we got by such a course. We had counted the co3t, and were prepared for the result, feeling confident that there is that in j human nature which loves plain speaking, that the great body of the people would endorse the procedure, and that however Borne might wince under the unac customed lash, even of these the sensible and the reasonable would come to admit that the discipline is wholesome for the body corpor ate. But the good results of such a course have been not only direct but indirect, and it is a subject of frequent remark that our two morning contemporaries, throwing off the foolish fear of offending, now epeak out with a . plainness of speech respecting wrong and wrongdoers from which in other days they would have shrunk with horror, and which would in those days have brought down on them a vengeance before which they must have bowed. We have fought in this place the battle of the inde pendence of the Press, and no one now would dare to contemplate a wrong deed in Auckland with the hope that it could be shielded from exposure by influence and power. The Press of Auckland is now what it should be everywhere and at all times, a terror to evil-doers, and a praise to them that do well. It is. no idle boast when we say that we have, by the fearlessness with which we have ripped up abuse, emancipated our local contemporaries from that fear of death through which they were all their lives subject; to bondage. To recapitulate the countless assaults that have been made upon us to |nrb our freedom of speech by those who winced under exposure, would be to tell over again the whole history of our piifckfive years j but it is remarkable that, like the mountain oak, the stormier the winds that raged around, the more deeply rooted and the sturdier we grew. It is no small thing for a journal of five years to be able to say that it headß the journals of the whole colony in the number of its readers. And this result has not been of ephemeral growth. For long and weary months after commencement, our utmost efforts could not raise the circulation of the Stab beyond two hundred and fifty copies. It had to bear the weight that presses on all new things, with perhaps the additional difficulty from the frowns of those who could not understand 1 this freedom of speech, and who asked in annoyance, "What new, thing is this ?" Now, we can hardly think there is a family in Auckland or its suburbs that does notnightly take the Stab, saving those

in connection with some of the members of which we have exposed some glaring bnt cherished villianny, and who, as is natural, will . not touch "the accursed thing." We come to this conclu sion from comparing the population with our issue, for with a population in round numbers of 22,000 within the circuit of the suburbs, and a minimum circulation of 3,C50 daily—on Monday and Wednesday last it was 3,900 each day—we conclude that few indeed must the families be that are not illuminated by the rays of the Evening Star. With such a roosition won

in live years, by tlie simple and honest course of plain speaking, aud of being no respecter of persons, we may well feel proud ; and it is needless to say that experience of what gives in journalism is a good guarantee that the same fearless and inde pendent course will be continued to the end. To put the arms of our protection around the weak and helpless, to hurl defiance at power when it is insolent and overbearing ; to respect and reverence worth, and to drag off the mask of hypocrisy and sham, however fortified by prestige or power, such has been our work in this corner of the field of journalism. With very cordial feelings we thank the people of Auckland for the manner in which they have viewed the labours of our journal, and for their substan tial recognition of our services. And it will" be our pleasure in the future, as in the" past, to reciprocate the kindness, and accept it as the basis for further enterprise and further effort to meet the requirements of the public. Starting as we now are on the second half decade, we may hope that the vigour that has given us so much success will not be impaired, and that at the close of the decade this journal will be found to have made an advance from its present position, as marked as is the contrast be tween the Evening Star of 1875 and the Evening Star when in clouds and darkness and gloom it first began to twinkle in Vulcan Lane.

The friends ot Sir George Grey will be themselves perhaps the most surprised at the response which has been given to the getting up of a requisition to him. We have this morning seen two lists, embracing the names of one hundred and ninety-two electors of City West, the result of the canvass of a few hours' yesterday evening. The lists are going actively about to-day, aud promise to present an array of names which Sir Geoige Grey must certainly regard as the call of duty.

We have very great pleasure in noticing the advent of a new periodical, the "St. Sepulchre's Parish Magazine,' and this we have for several reasons, but chiefly for the iugenuity of th© arrangement. It consists of a single sheet, printed in this city, and twenty-four pages printed—well we know not where, for they have no imprint, but— not in this city. In fact, the iuternal arrangement is a magazine incorporated bodily within the sheet referred to, and so adroitly done that we observe both our con temporaries seem to have missed observing it. And yet there in no deception, for the arrangement is notified on the first page. Really the plan is excellent. • The inagazind has all the advantages which it could j>oesib!y have from being entirely printed in Auckland, for while the internal portion contains must interesting tales, poetry, a sermon, and very pretty engravings, the wrapper contains local notes of events, Church proceedings and a calendar of services, classes, meetings &c, in connection with St. Sepulchre's. And the whole thing is sc nicelj. worked in together that it is quite homogeneous, and presents the appearance of a large and ex cellent pamphlet, locally produced at the low pri 30 of threepence.

"A Roman Catholic" writes :—" Tbe London Times some time ago observed that the mass of the English people had an uncon querable aversion to Board or secular schools; that the greater part of the practical business of secular education was being done by re ligious or denominational schools; and, moreover, that the education rate was very distasteful to the public. The educational statistics just published in the Government ' Blue Book' for 1873 fully bear out the above view. By far the greatest amount of school accommodation is supplied by the Church of England," not by the Education Boards. During the year the Church of England built no less than 315 new schools; Roman Catholics, six ; and, strange to say, the wealthy and pious Wesleyans, only two. The English Church finds space for 1,700,000 scholars ; the disaentors of all classes foi 543,000; the Roman Catholics for 162,000; while "The School Boards" only furnish space for 125,000 at the established rate. Considering the small number of the Roman Catholic body in England, and their compara tive poverty, the amount of school accommo dation they furnish, as shewn by these statistics, are surprising. I am under the impression that 80 far as regards towns and populous places in this province it would be found that the denominational or religious schools are these, as in England, doing by far the greatest part of the business of popular education, and that the education rate in towns is as unpopular here as it is in England, or more bo. Perhaps you or some of your correspon dents may be in a position to show how many of our children in Auckland, at the Thames, and suburbs, are receiving educa tion in Board schools, and how many in private or religious schools. I believe lam ! within the mark when I say that in Auck land and the adjoining settlements twelve hundred Catholic children at least are attend ing private schools, which receive no Govern ment help. Is it fair or reasonable, or even honest, to extort money from the poor parents of these children under the name of an education rate, to support schools which for conscientious reasons they cannot use ? You evidently think it is both reasonable and just to do so. His Honor the Superintendent and ?the Provincial Council think so too. —I am, etc., Roman Catholic."— [The Registrar-General's statistics for 1873 show that there were in this province at the close of that year 116 Government schools with 181 male and female teachers, and an average attendance of 7,823 boys and girls ; the Grammar School jcontributed in addition to this 154 boys. The total num ber of private schools in the province was 28, and the average attendance 1,372. As the Protestant private schools must number at least 500 pupils, it is evident that our correspondent's estimate of the attendance at Roman Catholic schools is ; overstated. The answer to our correspon dent's objections is a simple one. A national | Bystem of education is imperative, and the present System or some modification of it, is the only one practicable la a mixed com munity like ours, and it is also the one most in accordance with the views of the great majority of the people. —Ed. JS.S.J

On Saturday the first and second elevens of the West End CO. will occupy the ground in the Domain. Messrs. J. Macky, Mum ford, Gleeson, T. Macky, Garland, Mason, Buttle, Western, Caldwell, and Cox will re present the firstf eleven of the West End against Messrs. W. Lawry, J. Lawry, Mears, Stone, Choyce, Dickcnson, Leggetb, Tonks, Bodle, Ewen, Sharpe, and T. Lawry, who will play for the Carl ton CO., and the second eleven of the West End will measure their strength with the second* eleven of the WaverleyC.G.

Has any one found a small book of the butts of raffle tickets ? If bo, he or she will confer a favour by returning it to the loser, battß are the record held of tickets sold for the raffle of the beautiful tapestry of Mary Queen of Scots, lately exhibited in Mr. Upton's window, from the fair nngera of the Sisters of Mercy. The numbers of the tickets are known, and tbe little book can toe of no possible use to any one but those con ducting the raffle. The finder wilt greatly oblioe by leaving it either at the Stab oftce, or with the Rev. Father Fynes, or with Mr. Eyre of Enniskillen House, Victoria-street

This evening at half-past seven a meeting will be held at the Graf ton road School house to elect a school committee.

To-morrow (Saturday) is the last day for issue of city, stage, hackney carriages, _ also drivers, porters, and registrations ot private carts. We would recommend those who do not desire to be summonsed, to at once ob tain their licenses.

According to the request of the members of the Licensed Victuallers' Association, Mr Graham, the Relieving Officer, purchased a number of books, magazines, chessmen, &c, of Mr Wayte, for the amusement of the old people in the Old Men and Women's Refuge.

"M.C. " writes wibh reference to the Acclimatisation Society's gardens, says :— Si r? I observe the committee of the Ac climatisation Society are endeavouring to obtain a title for permanent occupation. Have not the objects sought been obtained, and has not the time arrived when these gardens should be thrown open to the poor as well as to tbe rich - free ? Is it not a public domain given for the use of the citizens, and in what other part of the world do you set a charge made for admittance into a pubuc domain ? It is admitted that the preliminary expenses have been large, and should ba recouped j but has that not been done. At any rate, if it has not, the support of such gardens should be a fair charge on the Provincial Government funds, or, like Wellington, a charge on the General Government. I trust the Domain Board will not further lease away from the pnblic further portions of this beautiful Domain."

Next Tuesday evening there will be a special train from and to Onehunga and intermediate stations for the convenience of visitors to the complimentary concert ten dered to Miss Christian by the Auckland Choral Society, and which will probably prove the most brilliant success ever wit nessed in the Choral Hall.

In consequence of some misunderstanding about the Domain ground, which has been let to the Wtsbt End Club for to-morrow afternoon, the match arranged between the Auckland and Poneonby Clubs, has of neces sity fallen through. Another match bos, however, been arranged to take place, through the kindness of R. Graham, Esq., granting uhe use of his ground at Ellerslie for the purpose, between the "Law" and tleven " Louts." The legal gehtloraen are pretty hot, and will probably warm their opponents. The players will go out by the 2 p.m. train.

A meeting of the Regatta Comm';ttee takes place to*night. It is expected that the question of time allowance will again crop up, the subject being regarded by several gentlemen as not by any means disposed of by the vote of last meeting.

THE TRIP TO MOTUTAPU.

A finer morning could cot have been manu factured to order for the trip of the Here than this morning. The exGursloa may fco said to ba an annual one. Laat year It will be recollected the Kawau was the destination of the journey by sea, but Motutapu was substituted on this occasion as being nearer, and thus affording more time ashore for the excursionists. A a usual, the principal feature of the jaunt was its participation by the children of the various charitable institutions of the city. These were present to-day in the following numbers :—Children of St. Mary's Institute, 80 girls, accompanied by Father Walter, McDonald, O'Dwyer, and Simpson ; Industrial Home, 70 boys and girls, iv charge of Mr and Mrs Stickley, "master and matron ; Mr G. W. Owen, and Mr A. Stewart, membois of committee; Parnell Orphan Home, 20 boys, 18 girls, in charge of Miss Burns, matron, and Miss Pee. Mr R. Walker, Mr B. 0. Dyer. The little ones appeared almost wild with delight at the prospect of their day's enjoyment, and in their nice clean holiday clothes looked the very pictures of health and contentment. When one thinks for a moment of the change in the life of these children which is effected by the insti tutions to which they belong, one cannot but feel how deserving of support these homes of the destitute are. Captain Logan de serves public recognition for his kindness in affording the children such a treat. We understand that the fares charged to independent excursionists after the deduction of bare expenses will be paid to the funds of the different charities of the city. As there were nearly 300 who paid, a handsome donation will be made. Mr Impey's band were in attendance on board, and their lively Btraina will no doubt be appreciated throughout the day. The steamer started away at a quarter past ten o'clock exactly, and will return about seven this evening.

PER PIGEON EXPRESS

We have received the following this after noon at half-past one. MOTUTAPU. Hero arrived at 11.30 after a pleasant run of an heur. Weather beautiful, water smooth as a millpond but a nice cooling breeze. When leaving wharf three cheers were given for Captain Logan and the agents of the Hero. The vessel was decorated with flags and evergreens. In addition to the children there were about 50 guests and 50 others at 5s each.

i The following is the list of Bchools :— St. Mary's Orphanage, 80 girls, under charge of Fathers Walter Macdonald, O'Dwyer, Simpson, and the Misses Brennaa, Herbert, and McCormick.

Orphan Home, Parnell, 20 boys and 18 girls, in charge of Miss Burns, Messrs R. Walker, and R. C. Dyer.

1 . St. Stephen's Native School, under charge I .of Mr Davis, 13 natives and half-castes. About 20 others are away for the holidays. Industrial Home, Howo-street, 70 children under charge. ; Children all landed in boats by 12.15 There were six boats belonging to the Hero engaged, and others had been lent by ships in the harbour. The Orphan Home children were remarked as being particularly neat and tidy. In going ashore the children sang very prettily " Rocked in the cradle of the Deep." Most of the adults are remaining on board, and partake of a capital lunch provided by the providore, Mr Judd. Several have already commenced fishing, Captain Logan having provided a number of lines. Very; jolly. JN'o accident of any bind Qtcntmi. Bird leaves at 12.35. Take out advertise ment " Missing box from Hero."

2.30 p.m. Already about 30 rabbits hare been brought on board. Fish are plentiful, espe cially sharks. Mr Keals has just brought one up seven feet in length. He had to get the assistance of ladies.

Between 20 and 30 deer were Been on the island this morning.

Any quantity of rabbits, bat very few good shots.

All hands assemble at 4 p.m. to give three cheers to Mr Reed, the owner of the island. Everybody says he is a jolly good fellow. The steamer leaves here afr 5 y.m.

Messrs. Wright and Impey's band was in attendance. Dancing was commenced.

ANCHOVIES AND TOAST.

(FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.) London, November 17. NANA SAHIB.-ACCOUNT OP HIS TREACHERY.

Perhaps the greatest foreign sensation of the month has been the reported capture of that villain beyond redemption, Nana Sahib, the caitiff of Cawnpore. Probably there is not an EDglish heart throughout the wide world which did not give a throb of exultation when the news arrived that this horrid mis creant had been taken. Probably in all the annals of guilt there could be found no name so infamous as that of the man whoa few days since was handed over to justice by the Maharajah of Scindia, ' Years ago the British Government had felt satisfied that the miscreant had died a wretched death in the jungles of Nepaul; but no one had seen him dead, and now at last one who knew him well, and who had no purpose to serve by such an acb, suddenly hands him over to justice. The Nana himself wrote to Scindn asking protection, and stating that he wa3 tired of his wandering 3, and Scindia, as our faithful adherent, at once gave him up to the authorities. It is said that the natives are highly indignant at Scindia, but if so it only shows the immense importance of making a great example of a man like the Nana._ Of I course hie identity is doubted on all sides; heaps of people, old Indians and others, don t believe he is the man, but he is to be tried before a jury, and no trouble and expense will be spared to do justice to him. Who can look back to that dreadful story of Cawn pore and not entertain a longing, lingering desire for specific vengeance on the author of its horrors ? Nana Sahib was the adopted sou of Bajee Row, the head of the old Mahratta Confederacy. This Bajee deserved hanging for an act of infernal treachery in 1818, but the English have ever erred on the side of mercy, and so, instead of stringing him up, we gave him an annuity of £90,000, and before his death he had drawn over two and a half millions of British mouey. The Naaa, upon the old fellow's death, inherited all his personal we?l:h, which was very large, but he was not content with this, and applied for a continuation of the pemioa. This the Government very properly declined, but the Nana thereafter nursed his vengeance and brooded over his supposed wrongs. He was, however, terribly cunuiug, and con cealed his animosity bebiud a cloak of friend ship, showing himself as mosc kind and liberal to his English neighbours. So much, in fact, was he trusted that when the mutiny broke out Sir Hugh Wheeler placed the treasury at Cawnpore under hia protection. No sooner, however, had the Sepoys of that station re volted than he at once headed them himself, plundered the treasury, and, uttering the famous Mahratta war cry, proclaimed him self as Paishwa. The English garrison was besieged within the lines of the canton ment at Cawnpore, while all the English caught outside were murdered on the spot. For over three weeks nearly 900 Euro peans, numbering amongst them 330 women and children, kept at bay behind those en trenchments many thousands of the Nana's forces, who poured upon them a continuous fire of hot shot. Provisions were failing them, and water could anly be had from a well which was exposed to the enemy's fire ; and so when half General Wheeler's men were killed, and the remainder were wounded or sick, the Nana proposed a capitulation. He swore by all that was sacred to a Brah min that the entire garrison should have a safe conduct to Allahabad, and provided boats on which they might be conveyed, but no sooner were they embarked on the river than a heavy fire was opened on them, and they were either killed or driven ashore to be butchered. Over two hundred women and children were driven like a flock of sheep to Cawnpore, and kept alive in a building until the approach of Havelock and his devoted band scared the Nana into giving the word for their mas sacre. Then entered into the buildiug where the women and children, wives and infants of British soldiers, were kept, half-a-dozen executioners, armed with sabres, and strait way commenced to hack and hew. Several times they had to return to the doors and ask for fresh sabres, as the ones they used were notched and blunted by the horrid work, but at last it was done, and the dead and the dying were dragged away by the feet, and thrown into a well. When the gallant Havelock with his veterans entered Cawnpore, they came upon a scene of horror Unparalleled even in the bloody annals of the Indian mutiny. On hastening to the building where they had heard the women and children were confined, they were struck with horror with the sight that met their eyes. The pavement was swimming with blood, and fragments of ladies' and children's dresses were floating in it. They entered the apartments and found them empty and silent, but there also - the blood was on the floor, covered with bonnets, collars, combs, and children's frocks and frills. The walls were marked with sabre cuts, and tresses of hair hang from the wooden pillars. "Have lock's braves wept when they saw these memorials, and the Highlanders swore that for every hair in those tresses a rebel should die. The massacre was well avenged, but until now the chief actor escaped, and it was not until the other" day at Gwalior that he waß placed in our power.- Sixteen years have elapsed since he fled from the scene of his atrocities, but vengeance, though slow, has come at last, fie is now at Cawnpore for pnrposea of identification, and his execu tion will do more to establish our prestige in i India than years of careful Government, and centuries of kind treatment.

CONSERVATIVE COLONIAL POLICY. The Liberals are very angry at the Con servatives having gained so much credit over their Colonial Policy, not the best point of vantage being the annexation of Fiji, which ia naturally felt to be a step of great import ance. The number of Eaglishmen who desire to serve their country in Fiji must be perfectly amazing, for I am told that Lord Carnavon is absolutely flooded with daily applications from all sorts of fellowa want ing appointments in the new colony. It is ( really quite marvellous how many men desire ;to serve their country by holding fat billets in Fjji. ' NEW ARCTIC EXPEDITION. Another .Arctic Expedition is soon to leave England. The present Govern ment are able to see their way to outlays of this kind where the Liberals were most illiberal. The expedition is estimated to cost £100,000, and the- ships and men are to be picked from her Majesty's navy. It is always difficult to estimate wliat may be the results in these d»y« of such an expedition thoroughly . well organised ; Such improvements have been made in the ap pliances requisite for exploring purposes that much of the risk formerly existing has been removed, and much longer distances may be traversed at considerably less peril.

JOHN STUART MILL. -We are »U getting rather sick of John rJStuart Mill. He has be stuffed down our I throats ad §,musea<m, and the publication of his last book is the straw which has broken camals back. The poor man i» dead, so we ought not to speak evil of him; but really he did enough harm when he was in the flesh with his monstrous doctrines. I have a strong suspicion that his spirit would have been better pleased if his later M.S.S. had been consigned to the flames, instead of printed to still fuither disseminate the . atheistical doctrines which it* was his delight to elaborate. The work which has jast been published contains Mill's views on Christianity. He acknow ledges the glorious example set forth in the life of Christ, who he regards as a model man, and placeß him "in the first rank of

the men of sublime genius of^ whom our species can boast;" and then he continues •• When this pre-eminent genius is combined with the qualities of probably the greatest moral reformer and martyr to that mission who ever existed upon earth, religion cannot be said to have male a bad choice in pitching in this man as the ideal representative and guide of humanity."

DEATH OF DR. NICHOLSON.

We deeply regret to learn of the death of Dr. J R Nicholson, which -took place at his residence this morningi It is well known that the deceased gentleman had. been in a bad state of health for a long time past, asd an illness a few months ago was of. such.a severe character that life was despaired of; arid the patient bia farewell to his friends. In spite of his own, and the opinion of his medical advisers, however, he rallied, and enjoyed moderate health for a period longer but the condition of his heart liver, and lun« 3 was such as left no hop* of permanent recovery, and a second severe illness of a few days has carried _ him off. Dr Kenderdine attended him during his last sickness. Dr Nicholson was a resident of .longstanding in this province, and has taken* an active part m pol^e. During Mr Gillies' Superintendence he failed the joint offices of Provincial Secretary and Treasurer in a very able manner. lie dis charged with great ability duties of lecturer on chemistry in connection with the Grammar School classes, and was known as skilful in the practice of his profession both in Auckland and in Onehunga, where he formerly resided. He took an active part in all social movements, but espeosaiiy in the temperance cause, and held the highest office in the North Island in connection with the Order of Good Templars. Ihe intelligence of his death in the prime of life (his age was only 44 years) will, we are sure, cause a feeling of genuine regret in all parts the province.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS COMMISSIONERS.

A meeting of the above was held at the Pro vincial Government Offices this afternoon at two o'clock, to consider a letter received from the Domain Board, requesting the Com : missioners to meet them at three m the Domain, for the purpose of examining the proposed site for the new hospital, and arranging the terms of a proposed exchange of land The gentlemen present, who_ were presided over by his Honor the Superinten dent, decided to accept the invitation, and a move was made at the breaking up of the meeting for the rendezvous. We trust Mr- Brighton's strawberries and cream are not exhausted.

SERIOUS AND PAINFUL ACCIDENT.

A smiotJS accident has occurred at the Churchhill flax-mill, near Rangariri, to a man named Fred. Norbhrop, who, while in the act of feeding the scutching machine, got his left forearm caught in it. There being no medical man residing in tbe district, he came down to Auckland. The accident happened about 4 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, and be arrived at the Provincial Hospital last night at half-past six o'clock, when he was immediately attended to by Dr Philson, who, upon carefully examining; the injury, done, found that the bones of the iorearm were literally crunched, and the muscles frightfully mangled, leaving only one coarse open, that of amputation, which was done without delay. Upon' making enquiries this morning, we are happy to learn that the poor fallow is doing well.

PONSONBY MUSICAL SOCIETY.

The first annual meeting of the above was held last night at the Ponsonby Hall, when a good number of members attended. The secretary's report showed tbe Society to be in a flourishing condition, and its success and progress has been of a most unusual and exceptional nature, as may bo seen from the excellent concerts given by it during the past year. We feel quite safe in stating the Ponsonby Musical Society to be not only a name, but a very satisfactory reality. The coming year promises to be a brilliant one, judging from the excellent practice of the oratorio of the "Last Judgment," shewing the perfection to which the Society has attained. This is attributable to the effi cient management of the conductor, Mr. Mitchell, who is ably assisted by the pianiste, Mrs. Woolley, both well-known in the musical world.

SUPREME COURT.

CRIMINAL SESSIONS.

YESTERDAY,

(Before His Honor Sir G. A. Arney, Knight Chief Justice.)

CHAEGE OF MURDER.-PRISONER

FOUND GUILTY,

Dr Goldsbro' gave evidence, and deposed that he made a post mortem examination of the body of the deceased, which was then in such a decomposed state as to render impos sible the detection of marks of violence. The condition of the body indicated that deceased had been in good health; there was no fracture of the bones, the lungs were gorged with black blood, but otherwise correct; there was no fracture of the scull. The nose was quite flattened to the face, and a bruise on the sur face of the scull which was echrymosia, shewed that death had been caused by violence. A wrench given over a man's knee such as might be given in the position in which the prisoner and girl were found, would cause such injury as the post mortem examination presented.

Kerehihi, the father of the girl having given evidence, the court was adjourned.

THIS DAY.

His Honor took his seat at 9 o'clock.

The evidence of the witnesses having been taken, counsel on both sides addressed the Court, after which his Honor proceeded to sum up the evidence. Bis Honor concluded the evidence and remarks thereon at twenty minutes to one o'clock, when the jury re tired to consider their verdict.

The jurymen in waiting were then dis charged until Monday morning next. The jury returned at a quarter to two o'clock with a verdict of " Guilty," which was interpreted to the prisoner by Mr. Brown.

The prisoner then made a long rambling statement, but to no purpose. He said he was willing to die, and was not afraid of death.

His Honor then put on the black cap, and in a solemn and impressive manner, passed the sentence of death upon the prisoner, who was then removed.

The Court was then adjourned unti Monday next, at 10 o'clock.

STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Business done to-day :— Bank of New Zealand—£lß 53 ; Ibuyers, £18 4a ; sellers, £18 7s 6d. Colonial Bank- Sellers, 15a. Fiji Bank-Sellers, 62s 6d. South British Insurance - 48s ; sellers, 495. National Insurance—Sellers, 275. Union Sash and Door Co.-£9 153. North Shore Eerry—Buyers, 15s. Caledonian (double issue) —Sellers, 80s. City of London—Buyers, 28a. Golden Calf (double)— Buyers, Bs. Queen of May%-Buyers, 6s 6d. Union Beach—Buyers, 6s 6d. Cure—4a; buyers, 4s.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.— This Day.

(Before Thomas Beckham Esq., R.M.) ! TJPTON AND CO. V. J. BENNETT. y j Claim, £9 6d. --c^f Mr J. B. Russell appeared for plaintiff, and stated that the claim was for goods. * / Mr Upton proved the claim. -~>^ ■ Judgment for plaintiff. . UJtTON AND CO. V. G; H. CLARK. Claim, £14 3d. Mr Upton proved the claim, and stated that defendant, called yesterday and presented a cheque for the amount, which he found this morning was dishonored. Judgment for plaintiff. APPLICATIONS. Applications for renewal of licenses were granted to Mr L. H. Neumegen and Andrew rieavey, pawnbrokers of Auckland. JOHN STEWART V. NELSON IRELAND. Claim, £15 12s. ' . Mr Joy, for plaintiff, stated that this case hacf been held over for settlement by arbi tration, but Mr Ireland did not appear. He would ask that the case be dis missed without costs. Ordered to be struck out. • . .: CLOSE BROS.'V. S WORSNOP. Claim, £3 4s lid. ." Mr Thorne for plaintiff. Mr Joy, for defendant, admitted the claim, I with the exception of one 561b. liag1 of-sugar. Mr Thorne said that the bag of sugar was supplied, and sent down to Wangarei/but it was ]ost in the transit. Another bagwai * supplied in place of the lost one, and which forms the item of the present claim. Nathan Close, of the firm of Close Bros., deposed defendant was in their employment at the time of the purchase of the sugar which was not entered in their books, as it; was a cash transaction. The sugar was lost from the vessel, and at defendant's request another was sent, and for which he expected to be paid by defendant, V. 1 To Mr Joy: Worsnop brought Captain Jackson to his store, and the captain acknow ledged his responsibility. Francis Worsnop also gave evidence. After reviewing the evidence his Worship recorded judgment in favour of plaintiff. JOHN PEAPvCE V. JOHN MIXLLALLY. Claim for work done. Plaintiff accepted £7 7s, according to agreement, to be paid £1 per week, costs £2 15a. JAKINS AND WILLCOX V. J. T. DURRELL. Claim, £6 18s. Mr J. B. Russell for plaintiff. This was a claim for the value of two bags of maize, and seven bags of potatoes from Sydney which wore reported to have been stolen from the wharf. The value of the loss was £6 18s. Judgment for plantiff, costs £3 ss. Adjotjknbd. — William Lloyd v. John Bigelow. Claim, £19 7s 6d. This was all the business.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before His Worship the Mayor, and Mr Mitford, J.P.s.) DRUNKENNESS. ' Eliza Hart, 10s ; John McNaughten, 20s ; Ellen Brown, 10s; Samuel Dixon, 10s j Susan Duneen, 5s ; Henry Gradry, 5s ; Mary Brown, seven days with hard labour. The above constituted the roll of offenders under this heading. A NEGLECTFUL FATHER. Francis Bergin was charged with failing to contribute towards the support of his child Elizabeth Macdonald, aniumateof the In- ..:;' dustrial School, in accordance with an order granted by the Court some time ago. Defendant admitted the debt, and said it was not unwillingness but want of work that prevented him from satisfying the order. Sergeant-Major Pardy said the man had been sent to gaol before for not cashing up, and was arrested on another occasion when sufficient money to pay the amount due was found on him and seized. There was £6 now due. I The defendant said he had recently ob tained constant employment, and would pay £1 next week, and keep up his contributions regularly afterwards. Sergeant-Major Pardy observed that there was not the slightest use in placing dependence on these statements. Men of this class would not pay unless compelled. They could get drunk, and that was all they cared about. A pensioner who was recently set at liberty on strong assurances to the Bench, had not turned up, although pension day was passed. The cass was adjourned for a fortnight on % defendant's own recognizances, on the under standiug that the amount must be paid in |9 the meantime, or the defendant would be punished. A MISERABLE CHARACTER. Mary Brown, a middle-aged woman, of quist demeanour, and who <>had just H before received sentence of seven days imprisonment for drunkenness, was charged with failing to contribute 4a a week towards her youngest child in the Industrial Home. Sergeant-Major Pardy stated that all the woman's children had been taken from her in order that she might go into service. She was not charged for the elder ones, and in stead of endeavouring to support the young est one she got drunk, lost her place, and had been leading a life of debauchery ever since. Sentenced to six months' imprisonment. AN OLD SINNER. William Stone, an aged and patriarchal looking man, but with very fishy eyes, for merly a troublesome inmate of the Old Men's Refuge, was charged with stealing a saddle, the property of Mr Bichard O'Sulfivan. Morton Jones deposed that the prisoner - was formerly in his employ. A saddle belonging to Mr O'Sullivan, was in his stable. He told prisoner to put the saddles in the hay loft. Prisoner left his place on the 19th, and. upon hearing that he had been arrested for stealing a saddle, witness looked to see if one was gone from his place, and found Mr O'Sullivan's saddle missing. He gave prisoner . no authority to remove it. Patrick Gorman, of the Alexandra Hotel, Parnell, said prisoner came-to his house on the 22nd of December to sell the saddle pro duced. He offered it for a £1, and witness gave him ss. He said he had sold his ,1-sf horse atOfcahuhu, and was tired carrying the saddle. Constable Jackson said that upon being informed that a man was offering a saddle for sale, he tracked him to the Swan Hotel, Mechanics' Bay, and asked him what he had done with it. He replied—"Find out." Prisoner was charged with stealing the saddle before, and discharged for want of evidence. On that occasion he said he had bought the saddle of a Maori at Tauranga. Bichard O'Sullivann identified the saddle. Its value was about £2. Prisoner appealed to the character ha had borne, which was not calculated to help him. He was sentenced to six months'imprison ment with hard labour. NO CHAIJS" ON WHEEL. David Cable, for leaving his cart without a chain on the wheel, was fined 5a "and costs. This concluded the business. ■ :

firm Ttiftffw* 1 "*** ■frtrrm-y. ik-mjAur % nn



Mb. Remut TJteBWIN HOLLOWAY AND Jj^tato j TQNSON GARLICK • vaßtg'to inform the inhabitants of Auckland of in: they have purchased the Stock and ■ fairly Premises known as | TrftfiJfnr HALL DRAPERY, CLOTHING, AND mode CARPET ESTABLISHMENT, W&p p ER QTJEEN-STREET, ~ jk™ From Messrs Cosgbave & Co., ; ATI* <LARGE DISCOUNT OFF ENGLISH COST. weig ■':';' S= A SALE OF THE GOODS Will be held ;i.:' When that New, Extensive, and recently-imported ■ tdtlcpurchased from the Manufacturers of England '; ,:' ■ gOjCASH, will be offered to tbe public at f\[ , IMMENSE REDUCTIONS. : ! .Draper! and Storekeepers are invited to attend this reiJj3ale, as it the intention of the proprietors to CLEAR OUT THE PRESENT STOCK, . 11l Older to make extensive alterations in th Building. A splendid opportunity for Country Settlers to purchase at LOW BATES. i HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, CITY HALL. pHEAP SUMMER HATS. LADIES' & CHILDREN'S STRAW HATS. I BOY'S STRAW HATS. In Order .to Effect a Clearance, RUfcHBROOK & BRID&M&N I ,:•"." Will offer the Balance of their ■ STRAW HA T S :'"". *'' 'AT KEDTTCED PRICES, REGARDLESS OF COST! RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, (LATE R. HOBBS.) -1 WKOI.XBA.IiX A»» RXTAIL DjRAPXBS, CLOTHURS | JUNCTION, DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Hi (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) • JwßtoiUrf «b Queen • street, Auckland. ■ -■■■.'.



SPLENDID OPPORTUNITY TOR PURCHASING CHRISTMAS PRESENTS, NEW YEAR'S GIFT S, AT R. BECK'S. CTSJE ARE NOW SHOWING OUR MAIL GOODS Received per s.s. Eibo, Consisting of COSTUMES, PARIS BONNETS, TKIMMED EATS, MAFTLKS, FEATHFiE3, FLOWEBS, GLOVES, &c, &C, &c. ; Also, 72 CAS Pis Zealan Comprising— PRINTS, DEESSES, and MANCHESTER GOODS J. COSGRAVE & CO.



We observe that Garret* Brothers of . ~ Wakefield-atreet, are sacrificing the re- : mainder of their stock of booti and shoes 'J before removing to their new and commo dious building— advt. . V To the Ladies op Auckland. —I have received from London, per X.M.S. Cyphrenes, a beautiful ( stock of Long length and Ringlet Hair ana 6hall be _/ happy to execute orders on the shortest notice Jg£* Fbancis J. Shoett, City Hair Cutting Koonis noß^} Lewisson'B, Jeweller, opposite the Union-Bank' !»%**■ iSHOBTT'B KAIB-01/TXIK<»i-'AI.OOK, three*;'.*! " < "the Greyhound Hotel . First-class ArtejiaW^fc *""« and Cleanliness.-- (Advt). MC COFFEE !— Brown, Barrett, and/oo.'s Stands** \W Coffees both delicious and strong. dSrowß, B«re«3&^P and Co.'■ Excelsior Ooflea deserves preference to • —" ■ Coffee on account of purity »nd distinctness of flavour. Note the brand. Sold at almost every grocery •»• < tabliahment In town and province.—Jldvt.