SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

vrrnrt watfr ( This Afternoon, 4.19 HIGH WATER- |To . mon . ow Morning, 4.11, SUN SET.—This Evening, 7.8. SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 1.40. MOON'S AGE.—New Moon, 16th, 5.33 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Sissy, schooner, Bayldon, from the Thames Flirt, brigantine, McKenzie, from Timaru. Colonist, schooner, Bailey, from Waitara.

DEPARTURES.

lona, s.s., Farquliar, for Northern Ports. Rowcna, s.s., Sellars, for Tauranga. Wellington, s.s., Lloyd, for the South. Jane Douglas, s.s., Fraser, for Gisborne and Napier.

EXPORTS.

Per Jane Douglas, for Napier :—3 cases iron bedsteads, 1 case meerschaum pipes.—E. and H. Isaacs.

SAILING DATES ALTERED.

The date of the brigantine Augusta's departure for Levuka was altered iust before we went to press, to Saturday, the Kith inst., at noon. In the same way the departure of the Go-Ahead, steamer, for Gisborne and Napier, is postponed till Saturday, the 16th inst,, at 2 o'clock.

Captain Urquhart, of the steamer Matau, lias been charged at Dunedin by a woman named Mary Ann Smith with stealing a retriever dog, value £5. According to the woman's evidence the dog was presented to her in Auckland in 1575. The Bonch advised her to proceed by civil process. The notorious slaver brig Carl has come to a fitting end, the meu engaged in breaking? her up at Blutf harbour bavins' lvached (he keel. The "News" says that ail over the vessel the breakers-up discovered bullets embedded in her timbers, and in one part they found thai a can non ball had been through her, an indication that at the date of the Mount and Moms massacre she was not new to the slave trade, and had been an object of chase to one of Her Majesty's cruisers. The schooner Hinemoa has just left Lyttelton for this port with a cargo of wheat and oats. ■ The s.s. Go-ahead has been detained till to-day at Gisborne, loading sheep. The s.s. Southern Cross is expected to leave Napier to-day with a cargo of cattle for Auck land. The barque Europa dropped down to the Heads last night, and at the present moment is quite ready to continue her voyage to Cork. The barquentine Jium is ready to leave for Levuka. The barque Star Queen has taken in a cargo of manganese at the n w railway wharf, and is now on the eve of s■•:■:•: :u..v Tor New astle. The brigantine Owoia, which we reported a fortnight ago as loading wh at at Adelaide for this port, sailed a day or two ago. The barque Marathon lias arrived at Adelaide from New York, and is likely t*> come on hero after discharging, and load kauri gum for New York. The brigantine Flirt arrived from Timaru yesterday evening, with a cargo consisting of wheat and oats. She has been on her way since the 27th ultimo. The barque Rapido we learn did not leave Newcastle till the 7th instant. She brings 220 tons coal and 40 tons shale- Messrs. Henderson and Spraggon are at present engaged building a large new cutter. Her dimensions will be :—Length of keel, 52ft; beam, 17ft Gin ; depth of hold, Oft Gin. The frame work which is all up, gives promise of a craft of unusual strength. When finished, the cutter will be for sale. The schooner Sissy arrived from the Thames this morning with a cargo of timber, which is intended to be conveyed to Portland Island, Hawke's Bay, for the lighthouse there. The Sissy is taking on board stores, &c, and will sail for Portland Island probably to-morrow. The wreck of the Otago has (been sold to Mr. C. Abbott Contractor, for £125. The crew of the ship Orari have been buisy all day bending the sails, preparatorily to moving out into the stream. The hatches are all battened down, and it is expected the ship will move away into the stream in a day or two. The barque Tamaya is having a new mizen mast stepped her old one being wore out. Mr. D. Gouk supplies the spar, but the work is done by the crew. The barque E. J. Spenee has come alongside the main outer T to .discharge her Melbourne cargo prior to taking in gum for New York.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, to-morrow, at 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Lalla Rookh, on Thurs day next, at 1.30 p.m., and per Argyle, on Friday next, at 2.30 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei and Mangapai, per Arg.rle, thi day, at i p.m. For Levuka, per Augusta, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Gisborne and Napier, pel' Go-Aiicau, to to-morrow, at 3.15 p.m. For Russell, per Janet, to-morrow, at 8 a.m. Per Zealandia, on Monday, 18th instant, as under:— For icandavu, Sandwiuh islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia,

Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of 'Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 10 a.ni. Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d in addition to the pestage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board up to time of sailing. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

PERROT.—On the IL'th December, at Union street, the wife of Mr. F. Perrot of a daughter. —Dunedin papers please copy.

McMILLAN.—On 12th December, at Rcmuera, Mrs. C. C. McMillan of a daughter. BRIDGER—On the Ist December, at Caver sham, Dunedin, the wife of William Bell Bridger of a son.

MARRIAGE.

OXLEY—PORTER.—On the sth December, at Helensville, at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. Thomas J. Jaggcr, Daniel Oxley to Catherine Elizabeth Porter, only daughter of Mr. Isaac McLcod.

DEATH.

WARREN.—At her residence, Onehunga, after a long and painful illness, on December 11th, Sarah, the beloved wife of the Rev. John Warren, Wesleyan Minister, aged 61 years. The funeral will leave her late residence to morrow (Wednesday), fit 2 p.m.; and the Pitt street Wesleyan Church at 3.30 p.m. Friends are respectfully invited to attend. COPAS.—On the 12th instant, at her father's residence, Collinprwood - street, Alary Ann, infant daughter of George Copas, aged four months. The funeral will take place at 3 p.m. to morrow. Friends are respectfully invited to attend. RYAN.—On the 12th December, at Graf ton Road, Violet. Annie, infant daughter of W. A. Ryan, aged 9 months. WHITE.—On the 29th November, aged 1!) years, at her brother's residence, Hobarton, after a short but painful illness, Lily Victoria Con stance Edith, youngest daughter of the late Captain White, and beloved sister of the late Mr. Ernest Johnston Henry White, and aunt to Miss E. P. L. V. White, of this town. Beloved by all who knew her for her gentle disposition.

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED "The Evening News" "The Morning News," and "The Echo."

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1876.

/or ilio c.'iv;c that lacks assistance, lor the wrong that needs resistance, I-'or the i'uluru in the distance, And the that we can do.

On a former occasion we referred to the powers and responsibilities of the Waste Lands Board, upon which, more than on any other public body, depends the future progress and settlement of this part of the colony. In the constitution of the Board the small farming class—the back-bone of the country—is not sufficiently represented. We have, however, confidence that the members of the Board will endeavour-to act honestly and to the best of their judg ment, in administering the lands of the Provincial District. It cannot be too strongly insisted upon that, as early as possible, blocks suitable for settlement shall be opened up, but it is of equal moment that the provincial lauds shall not be frittered away, rendered an easy prey to land sharks, or alie nated from the Crown without the widest publicity being given of the inten tion to sell, and ample opportunity afforded the public for competing. A correspondent furnishes us with a narrative of the circum stances under which two applications of a typical character came before the Board to-day. Somfl months ago, several Thames residents applied to the Provincial Govern

ment for sections of land on the Omalui block, seven or eight miles from Shortland. The Superintendent explained that it was out of his power to deal with the land, the General Government having retained possession. He advised them to address their request to the General Government. An endeavour was then made to secure from Sir George Grey a promise that, if they settled on the land until it was transferred to the province, any improvements made would re ceive consideration in dealing with the block. His Honor declined on the ground that the law did not empower him to make such a contract. The men, however, re solved to squat on the land and take their chance, previously addressing an application to the General Government, receipt of which was never acknowledged. After patiently watching for any notification of the opening of the block for sale, they were startled a week or two ago by the appearance of Mr Hogg, surveyor, who surveyed the whole block, consoling the occupants with an intimation that he was acting on behalf of some influential capitalists in Auckland, and that the settlers' chance was nowhere. They then, our informant states, inquired from a Gov ernment officer at the Thames whether the block was open for sale and ie;eived an answer in the negative. But on inquiry at the Waste Lands Office, it transpired that an application was sent in for the whole block. Immediately upon learning this, they instructed a solicitor to put in a counter-application for the purpose of com pelling competition. Our informant con cludes that if this had not been done the land would have been disposed of privately at an upset price of tun shillings, although he affirms that if ottered at auction it would realise £2 to £4 per acre. We are bound to believe that he is mistaken, and that the Hoard would have rejected any applica tion until the land was publicly pro claimed as open for purchase. We have no hesitation in saying that unless the Board acts upon the uniform principle of giving wide publicity to all the blocks of land opened for purchase, and encourages healthy competition, it will very speedily be deluged with speculative applications for the best portions of the waste lands, and will bring a hornet's nest about its ears in the shape of public protests and Parliamen tary inquiries into the administration of the Auckland lands.

[Since the Jabove article was in type, avc have learned from the proceedings of the Waste Lands Board this afternoon that the block referred to by our correspondent is not under the jurisdiction of the Board, so that the intending settlers[must continue in their present {unsatisfactory position until the General Government choose to deal with the land.]

Messrs Hunter and Nolan will hold their second wool sale ;it the Durham yards, at two o'clock, to-morrow, when a large cata logue of well-assorted wools will he sub mitted to public competition. Mr. J. Eliott Eliott, an old Auckland resident, has arrived in Diuiedin by the Christian McAusland. A Wellington telegram states : The report, emanating from GrahaniKtown, that Sir George Grey had been oll'ered the Governorship of the Cape of Good Hope, is incorrect. It is understood, on unquestion able authority, that it was to Sir William Grey, X.C.5.1.. Governor of Jamaica, the appointment was nllered, hut declined on account of ill health. Sir William, from that ean.se and old age is probably retiring from further service. A reward of £20 is offered for such infor mation an will lead to the apprehension of Charles Powell, who escaped from the Nelson Goal on Sunday night, the 3rd hist. The Colonist gives the following particulars of his escape :—" He was in the Nelson Gaol under a .sentence of two years inipri- H.imnoiil, axul affauhoA Ui.> otwujK) in «. manner so neat as to prove him the pos sessor of considerable ingenuity. Powell had been unwell, and consequently had been under the doctor's hands for 12 days past, and thu gaoler, .Mr JShallcrafis, had ' for the >moncr'y greater comfort, caused him to >c removed to the hospital ward. It would appear that Powell had, at all events, for .some time been planning his escape, for it is found that he had .secreted the blade of an old dinner knife, about three indies long, and much worn. On Sunday night lie took advantage of the boisterous weather, and with this tool suc ceeded in cutting away the woodwork above tho cell door in such a way that he was able to remove one of the iron bars. , He then made the hole sufficiently large, and succeeded in forcing his body through, thus gaining access <:> the outer yard. He must then have scaled the outer wall, and thus gained his freedom.' Joseph Paxton, Esq., of Sydney, will deliver a lecture on Psalmody in the Choral Hall, to-morrow evening, at half-past seven o'clock. .1. M. Clark, Esq., will preside, and an ellicient choir, under the leadership of Mr Culpan, will take part in the pro ceedings. To the Editor : Sir, —I am the wife of one of the men working at the reclamation works. I want you to raise your pun against the drinking carried on by many of the men. The publicans in the neighbourhood give them any amount of credit, which is either stopped from them-or has to be paid on Saturday night. If the publicans would not give them credit, we would have .some chance of getting their wages ; .so that they (the publicans) are .to blame in a great measure for the wants of our families, putting aside the battering and abuse we .sutler from our drunken husbands. God knows, the men are worked hard enough—■ driven like asses, and then induced by the " tick " system to spend it like fools. A great many of the Avonicn have to be on the ground when their husbands are paid, or probably they would get no wages at all. It was seven o'clock last Saturday night before all the men were paid. The work ing men are supposed to work from 8 till 5, but arc compelled to fill the drays by every gang of four men before 8 o'clock.—l am, &c, A SI'KFKKEK, Auckland, Tuesday morn ing. The ratepayers of Ponsonby. will meet in Ponsonby Hall to-morrow evening, for the purpose of considering the course to be pursued, in relation to the election of county councillors, and the Borough system. We publish in our Dunedin telegram to day, a full report of the inquiry into the circumstances connected with the wreck of the Otago. The Court commended Captain Colder for his conduct under trying circum stances, and suspended the second mate's certificate for two years. There are some facts connected with the gouging of the visual organ of O'Brie n, the Lecturer of the Diorama of the Prussian War which lend additional interest to the iftair. The gouger is the lecturer of a rival war panorama, and his name is Stan- s ley. Alas ! that a namesake of the great c African explorer should become a common s gouger! The meagre telegrams do not t enlighten us as to the causes which led to c this outbreak of hostilities between these J two great delineators of battles and sieges, s but probably their bellicose propensities p were excited by professional jealousies as s to the attractions of their respective shows, k The saddest part of the story remains to be p told. Not only has O'Brien had one of his si eyes gauged out, but he has lost his action against Stanley for the injury. o The statement that the girl Mary Ann T Kane, charged with concealment of birth, bi was employed at the Victoria Hotel, as S' represented in this mornings " Cross" is ai untrue. The girl was never in Mr Hill's F service. h'l

The "Wairarapa Standard "is responsible for the statement that " Ready-Money Robinson " of Canterbury lias been enabled to get his run constituted a County, and will himself be Chairman of the County Council, with his own employes as members. Mr W. J. Stewart, editor of the " Oamaru Times," was recently excused by Judge Ward from serving on a jury. His Honor said he had always excused members of the Press from serving on juries. Mr T. L. Shepherd, ex-M.H.R., better known as "The Smilcr," advertises at Greymouth a lecture on " Life Insurance in connection with Good Templarisni." Wonders will never cease. The Pitt-street Mutual Improvement class met last evening; Mr Ewington in the chair. A number of readings and recitations were given, chiefly from American authors, and the meeting closed with the benediction. The election of officers for the new year will take place on Monday evening, the 18th instant. The annual meeting of the St. James's Literary Association Avas held last evening ; Mr CraAvford in the chair. The report and balance sheet avcic read by Mr J. C. Macky, secretary. The receipts for the year had been £38 14s ; expenditure, £35 4s 3d ; leav ing a balance of £3 9s 9d. Rev. W. Tinsley's sermon to teachers of the Auckland Sunday-school Union, Avill be preached in the Young Men's Christian Association room, on the 20th inst. The St. Matthew's church Bazaar in aid of the funds of the Mission school church in Union-street, Avill open in the Lome-street Hall, on the 14th inst. The testimonial to Mr. Rolleston, late Superintendent of Canterbury is expected to amount to £800. The Hon. G. M. Waterhouse, M.L.C., has come up from Wellington on a A'isit to the Wahvora Springs. Sir Donald McLean has promised to present a town clock to Napier. Major Green has been gazetted Receiver of Land Revenue, Auckland, vice Dr. Pollen. Mr Thomas Macftarlane has been gazetted an accountant in bankruptcy, under the new Debtors and Creditors Act. To the Editor: Sir, —Your sporting cor respondent is in error as to the day on which the Henderson's Mill Races have usually taken place. They have, until last year, always come ofl" on the 2(>th of December, and not on the 17th March.—Yours, etc., Nemo. The funeral of Mr E. King Avho died on Wednesday la.st at Waiuku, was attended by about 150 persons. Mr W. Aitken has pre-sint^d a handsome silver claret jug, woth 2f> guineas, to be con tested by the Auckland Chess Club. The cup was supplied by Mr Lcwisson. Mr Price, R.M., at the Kumara, has given an opinion which has caused wholesale and retail vendors of spirits some surprise. A wholesale license has hitherto been sup posed to cover the sale of quantities not greater than a single bottle, and a retail license w;is held to permit the holder thereof to sell quantities in excess of two gallons. Mr Price, however, amrms that the licenses are altogether two separate things, and that a person wishing to sell spirits in wholesale and retail quantities must have both kinds of licenses if he would comply with the law. We think Mr Price, of the ivumara, lias dis covered a mare's nest. Messrs. W. Spragp and Co. opened their new grocery, tea, provision, and .seed stores at the corner of the Theatre Royal Building, to-day. The stores, with their dry and roomy collars, are fitted up with duo regard to the reception and preserving of floods. The ten department is elegantly fitted up and calculated to sustain Mr. Hartley's credit as an artistic builder. We notice that Messrs Spragg and Co. commence with a tint; stock of general goods, direct from London, and as everything is done on the cash principle, they will enioy privileges which will lie felt by purchasers. 'IV 11. .iho.» atul uwtinM •,»!><,. !•><!..<nitial chiefs have published a letter in (he "'Wanangn," announcing a great meeting at Taupo in IST", if the neceessary preparations can he completed, hut if not, then in \H"><, The ICuropcans and the Qucenites and tlio KingitCH are Invited to attend. A man named James Brrw.ster Armstrong, at Koss, West Coast, paid his addresses with a view to matrimony, to a certain Helen McGregor, and he pot it into his head that she had promised towed him on the. 2!)lh nit. On that auspicious day he called upon her, attired for the occasion, and desired her to accompany him to the l.'ecristrar, so that they might he made one. To this the fair Helen demurred. To smooth the way he ordered drinks for six. She swept the money into the till, and was still obdurate. Then he sued her forthe value of presents given to her, hut the magistrate dismissed the case. In revenge,he laid an information against Helen for sly grog'selling. The magistrate, this time, was of opinion that the case had been brought from malicious motives, and having given Mr Armstrong a severe verbal casligution dismissed 1 he, case. We are desired to correct an error in our local of yesterday in reference to the entertainment at the Wellcsley-street Baptist school, which lind been announced to bo hold on la.st evening, hut which had been postponed without the fact coming to onr knowledge. In our desire to aid the cause, we repeated the notice as originally intimated. We believe the entertainment will he held on Tuesday evening in next wfcek.

Fatal Accident.

A BOY KILLED AT THE SILT BASIN.

A liov named John Neil was accidentally killed close to the silt basins tin's morning. There are two of these silt basins at the enst side of the entrance to the Queen street wharf, and they are fenced oft" trom the wharf side by a pile of wharf planks,' arranged in the form of an angle with the apex outwards. Over each of the silt basins a pair of shear-legs are erected, to which is fastened the tackle for hauling up the silt matter. The shear-legs erected over the silt basin nearest the wharf were secured by a guy which was fastened close to the planking at the bottom of the shear legs of the further basin. The shear-legs of this basin were arranged on the east and west sides of the trap-door of the basin, while those of the other were on the north and south sides. The ends of all the shear legs rested in sockets hollowed out'of Hoor plates, and the contractors, Messrs. \V. and G. Winstone had evidently taken every precaution to secure the gear. At about twenty minutes past ten o'clock this morning, Mr (1. Winstone observed that the guy rope attached to the shear legs nearest the wharf was slack, and he directed a workman named James Kennedy to tighten it. At this time it was noticed that a boy was sitting on a planking which fenced on the works from the entrance to the wharf. The boy sat a little to the northward of the apex of the angle foimed by the fence, and was observing the move ments of the workmen below. Kennedy was in the act of tightening the guy, when, according to his own statement, a horse— attached to a dray which stood between the silt-basin and the point at which the guy rope was fastened— suddenly started for ward, and the guy slipped out of his hand. The shears fell suddenly towards the other side. Mr G. Winstone, who was standing close to the top of the basin on the seaward side, called out to the boy to save himself, but the latter did not appear to hear or to per ceive his danger. Another man named Jeremiah Regan gave the alarm. The shears descended right upon the boy, the part of one shear just below the cross-trees striking him on the head and arm, and killing him instantly. His head was com pletely smashed, and one arm broken. The shears must have descended with the weight of about a ton. Mr G. Winstone at once ran for the nearest doctor, and induced TJr Kenderdine to come and examine the body. The doctor pronounced life extinct. Sergeant-Major Mason then got an express and had the body removed to the morgue, Freeman's Bay. The sad intelligence was first communicated to the poor mother by

some boys who Avere on the scene at the time. The boy Avas about 11 years of age. His father is a fireman on board the Go ahead,' and the parents live in Victoria Crescent.

No blame Avhatever is attributable to the contractors, Messrs Winstone. They have done all that was possible to prevent boya from intruding on the Avorks, but, as usual, no precautions or vigilance could keep them from gratifying their curiosity. We learn that thc3 body of the boy has .since been removed to the house of the parents, at the request of the mother, and an inquest Avill be held on the remains at the Auckland hotel at 2 o'clock.

POLICE COURT.

—This Day.

(Before R. C. Baratow Esq. R.M.)

Six mad inebriates, wandering in their mind, All pleaded guilty, and were duly lined. Elizabeth, "Marchioness of Lome," Susan Carroll, an elderly woman, in a wild state, arid half clad; Richard Burrows, a new chum ; Franci.. Mahon, who had lost his coat; Alfred Pattison, a sturdy digger ; and Frank Smith, a seaman, pleaded guilty to being drunk last night, and were fined 5s each, with the exception of Elizabeth, who was ordered to pay 10s and costs. UNNATURAL. Harry Vaulon was charged with failing to contribute towards the support of his child in the Industrial Home. The defendant, a rough looking person, deposed that he had a large wife and small family to keep, and the iisli business was bad. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the prisoner generally earned £3 per Aveek, and .showed no disposition to pay. His wife was usually supported by Government in Mount Eden Gaol. Prisoner : I cannot pay, your Worship ; fish trade is dull. His Worship : Then you must go to gaol. Prisoner. Oh, no, give me a little time. His Worship : I will give you four weeks, you have only paid 10s altogether, and there are a large amount of arrears against you. If you do not pay .something con siderable off, by the 9th of January, 1 must commit you. ■ Prisoner: "Thank you." SNOOTING STARS.

John Ryan, Thomas Malligan, and Joseph Cassels, were charged with abscond ing from the Naval Training school, on the 10th inst. Sub-Inspector Pardy asked for an adjournment until Friday. Remanded accordingly forthe appearance of Captain Breton. Captain Breton subsequently came into court, and the three boys wero brought in. Captain Breton stated that the boys escaped on Sunday about nine o'clock, and had taken away a quantity of Avearing apparel. His Worship gave them a feAV words of reprehension and advise ; and ordered Ryan, tin; Avor.st of the three to be imprisoned for 14 days and be flogged ; that Cassels be confined for seven days, and Malligan to be punished by the master. PETTY THIEVES.

George Head, and Charles Collon, were charged with stealing Mr. Campion's hen, value 3s, also, in company with Michael Head, Avith stealing 2s from the till of Mrs Richards. Caroline Campion, of Edwardes-strect, deposed that she kept a number of foAvls, and she found one under the house dead ; she supposed it had been killed, and the old hen she lost altogether. She was walk ing in tho market and twigged her hen at Mr Head's store. .She asked Mr Head about it, but lie said he bought tho "old gal." Her husband had scan the tAvo boys iii the passage. Detective Grace arrested the boyeon the charge. The small boy said that the big boy, Col lon, persuaded him to go in and steal the hen, Avhile lie Avatchcd outside. They sold tiic lien ror 2s ami divided the spoil.

The futhcr of Collon said that his boy was eleven years old, and went to the Chora] Hall school. He was surprised when lie heard of the charge, and gave the boy n severe castigat ion. Michael Head was then brought, and together the three boys were charged with stealing 2s. Mrs Richards stated that she kept a grocer's shop in Symonds-street, and be tween twelve and one o'clock on Thursday she left the shop for a few seconds, and rtn returning saw the boys running away. She thought they had been stealing the fruit, but presently found that they had taken the coppers. Eugene Richards, aged 13, a scholar o St. Paul's school, was examined as to the nature of an oath, but knew nothing of the Bible; lie was not "got up" to the com mandments, and did not know anything about truth and falsehood. He went to Pitt-street Sunday-school. His Worship : Well, what do you learn? Boy : I learn to sing ! His Worship : Nothiug else. Boy : Teacher tells me to be good. After some further questions, the boy was sworn, and corroborated his mother's state ment. The boys threw some of the money into the grass. Detective Grace deposed that the two Heads acknowledged to stealing the money, while the bigger boy stood at a distance and watched. Another charge of stealing 2/8 in silver from Mrs. Richards was then preferred against the boys. This was taken on the sth inst. Mrs. Richards deposed to hearing same one in her shop, and when she went in, she found her till hiid been emptied of 3/8 in silver. She locked out but saw no one. The boys confessed. Richard Halloran, step-father of Ihc two Heads, made a statement to the Court, to the effect that the big boy was continually follow ing the little boys about, and tempting them to do wrong. His Worship said it was pretty clear that all the boys were concerned in the larcenies. lie should be sorry to send them to prison. He would therefore order them to be flogged in the yard in the presence of the sergeant "of the sta tion, and then they might be discharged. FINK CONGOU. Thomas Rosser was charged with stealing a quarter of a chest of congou tea, value 255, from the Queen-street wharf, the property of James Stout. Mr Tyler appeared for prisoner, and pleaded not guilty. James Stout, master of the barque Thomas Brown lying at the wharf, deposed that yesterday she was discharging tea and other goods on the wharf. He saw prisoner there at ten o'clock in the morning, he was helping to load a cart with tea. His attention was called to prisoner's con duct by Mr Miller, which was suspicious. He kept his eye on prisoner, and saw him plant a box of tea, which he presently took. He went up to him and asked him what he had got there. Prisoner said, nothing, when the box of tea rolled out of his possession (box of tea produced) Cross-examined by Mr Tyler. Captain Clayton, Marine Surveyor, deposed that lie saw Captain Stout walk across to defend ant, and ask him what- he had in the tarpauling The man said nothing. The captain shook the tarpauling, and down fell the box of tea. Serjeant Martin gave evidence as to the arrest of prisoner.

Mr. Tyler said he would call evidence, but should like to address the court afterwards. His "Worship said this could not be permitted • comment upon the evidence for the prosecution must bo made when called upon for the defence Mr! TylerJ then addressed the Court for the defence.

John Smyth, carter in Mr. Craig's employ ment, Arthur Dunn and W. Copas gave evidence, and the prisoner was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment with hard labour.

SUMMONS CASES William Evans for misbehaving himself in a public place, was fined 10s and costs. Charles Whit ten for a similar offence was fined in the same amount.

Henry Clark, Henry Hay wood, and Frank Harvey, for driving vehicles without the owners names on such vehicles, were fined 2/G each with costs 5/0. This was all the business.

NEWTON CHORISTERS.

Ihk concert in the Newton' Congregational bcJiool-room last evening was not so largely attended as was expected, owing to the inclem ency ot the weather, but those who were present enjoyed a musical treat. Mr Enoch Wood

occupied the chair. The concert consisted of instrumental music, duets, ballads, and a read ing. Mr W. E. Baxter presided at the har monium. The songs were : " A Gipsy's Life is a Joyous Life," by Miss Barton ; the " Soldier's Last Good-bye," by Mr Tudehope; " Safely Follow," and "Oh Boatman Haste," by Mr Elijah Spragg. The duets were : "Youthful Voices," by Misses Marbrook, and " The Cousins," by Misses Barton. Messrs. Baxter and Cousins gave a musical duet (harmonium and concertina) —

" Oh, ye pleasant Berkshire vales. Where yellow cowslips blossom," and Mr Hcraus and Mr Baxter gave "The Htippy Pair." "Paddy's Courtship" was the only reading of the evening, and elicited general applause. At the close of the programme. Mr Ellyett proposed a vote of thanks to the choristers, musicians, and the reader, which Avas seconded by Mr Webster, andcarriedby acclamation. Mr Wood, the chair man, then handed prizes and cards of merit to those of the scholars Avho had successfully ex hibited their industrial productions at the late Exhibition in the Drill Shed. Miss Anne Melt receiA'ed a special prize, " Female Biography," John Tucker received three volumes, "Text Books of Science," Walter Pooley and Thomas Balls greceived a copy of " Designs," and an essay on "Ornamental Art." The OA'ening was, pleasantly spent, and closed with the National Anthem.

Drowning at Onehunga.

COOK OF THF SCHOONER COLONIST

DROWNED.

At a late hour last night the cook of the schooner Colonist went down the Onehunga wharf to return to his vessel, in company with a seaman of 'the brig Syren, named Lopberg. On nearing the brig, which was alongside the wharf, Lopberg left the cook, whose name was Tichborne, when the latter said if his boat was not at the waterman's steps, he should take another to search his vessel, which lay off from the wharf a short distance. He had barely time to get down the wharf when a splash was heard in the water, near the steps, and under the stem of the schooner Amaranth. Cap rain Mason, who was writing in his cabin, rushed on deck, and perceiving some living object moving in the water, put oil' in. a boat with another man, but the objebt disap peared. A strong ebb tide Avas running at the time, and the night was dark. The watchman on board of the Wellington also heard the splash, but no cry or voice was heard by any of the hands. The steps are very slippery at times, and it is conjec tured that the poor man must have stumbled off them in the darkness of the night. Immediately after the accident, a search was made for the body by Sergeant Greene and Constable Gannon, in a waterman's boat, and although the search was kept up till l\3o, drags being used, it was not attended with success. Ever since the erection of the approaches to the Mangarei bridge the tidal current has become much stronger owning to the water being confined to smaller space, and there would appear to be little chance for one when he falls in now about the wharf. Tichborne is known to have been sober at the time of the accident.—CORRESPONDENT.

CABLEGRAMS.

AUSTRALIAN

[PRESS AGENCY. 1 New South Wales "Wins the Match,

.SYDNEY, December 11. New South Wales won the cricket match by three runs, and two wickets to spare.

Great Conference In London.

Mr Gladstone Condemns Sym pathy witn Turkey

Parliament CJonvoksd For Fst). Bth-

Sydney, this day. LONDON, December 0. A conference has been held in London under the presidency of the Duke of West minster. The Earl of Shaftsbury and many members of Parliament wero present, A thousand delegates from different parts of the country were also present. Amongst the speakers was Mr Gladstone. He con demned the ambiguous policy of the English Government, and said the nation had a right to expect it to be more explicit, with respect to its intention. .He said the English nation was unanimous against defending Turkey, and urged the cordial co-operation with Russia, Bulgaria and other provinces.

The Parliament of Great Britain is sum moned to meet on the Sth February.

The English Government has admitted the correctness of the American readihg of the Extradition Treaty.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRES BYTERIAN CHURCH OF NEW ZEALAND.

Yesterday.—Closing Sederunts,

J i': bi} s, i,nes^ of the afternoon sedcrunt consisted ot the following:: First, the animal sermon on the ministry. Key . \\ Douylas moved, and Key. ')■ lioss seconded "That, with the view of securing candidates for the ministry in connec tion with this Church, the Assembly recommend, that a sermon, having special reference to this matter, be preached on some Sabbath in Febru ary by each of our ministers." Carried v,,^ 3'o^? 1 t°*, the ?rimW of minutes, it was SSw? t? ™ey r ould b, e prinlcd as earl^ as possible. It was also resolved "That the cv- Penaoß incurred by members of Assembly in and Rev. It bomerville seconded, " That all Pres- SfsKfW 8 iXm\ convcilCK of committees be instructed to send up overtures and reports four- CaiTied' yS °rC the meetinS of Assemblj-." nm? O T»R« port °* standing Committee, read by Uev. It. homerviUc, was adopted, Itcv W H An?iVon? \T' ;T^ta Se rmS ? be preached hi te?Wn A,,, X nci Plos a»d. Polity of the Presbv- T \r?m Ch' w? s' on bcini < seconded by Key schools be appointed," was adopted. OtloDarn tiL cvcnm" soderunt opened at 7 o'clock Psalm %, llev- • t]l-° Moderator read the 46th g^?^^ffiers^i|f Si S| heldll^*iH at th(l nGXt annual assembly should be nounced, and the Session oloStTo.gmf":

MATCH AGAINST TIME

vI.S 1+ . eV, Cnt c;u-no ofl thi* morning, winch attracted considerable attention in Queen-street at a time when people in that thoroughfare are generally in bed and asleep A young lnan * nimjod & F Gibson had backed himself to run from the Jhames Hotel to the corner of K aK !! Road that is the whole length ofiS and Lower Queen-streets, twice up and twice down in3s mm. The distance 'i«a« nearly as possible, four miles, and thou- h Je time is ample for any m«, nspiri„ To pedestrian fame, yet time was the favoSte choke ofl the runner, who is not looked. Swi- a lou * <listailCo ru »«<* -Wye and at that hour fully om hundred yoiwg

sports had assembled at the Thames Hotel corner to see the start and finish. Gibson appeared confident, and Avhen told to go, went off at an easy trot. He accomplished his task in 29 minutes, or six minutes under the time stipulated, and came in quite fresh. The performance is not at all a bad one.

Concealment of Birth.

INQUEST ON THE BODY.

An inquest on the body of a female child, found dead in a carpet bag in a bed-room in the Thames Hotel, was held at the Auck land Hotel at 2 o'clock to-day, before Dr. Philson, Coroner, and a jury of twelve, of whom Mr H. Keane was chosen foreman The jury having bepn sworn proceeded to view the body, Avhich Avas lying at th o Police Station, after AA'hich the jury re assembled.

The Coroner then stated that the Inspec tor Avas not prepared to lay the evidence before the jury as a post mortem examination would be held by Dr. Diver and the person charged Avith being the mother of the child Avas too ill to attend the inquest. The inquiry Avould therefore stand adjourned until the 19th inst. The jury Avere then bound over in the usual manner in the sum of £10 each, to attend on the date mentioned.

The young woman charged with bcinc the mother of the child is Mary Kane, 20 years of age, who has been a domestic ser vant at the Thames Hotel for the past four months. Lately Mrs Grattan suspected that the girl was in a state of pregnancy, and had given her notice to leave. Yester day morning the girl, who had occupied a bedroom to herself, got up in the usual way, and commenced her household work of scrubbing and cleaning. A nursegirl in the house, however, noticed that Miss Kane appeared to be in a weak state, and she further observed some suspicious signs about the bedroom. She informed Mrs. Grattan, who interrogated the girl, and the result was, she made a state ment which induced Mrs Grattan to search the bed-room, where she found a carpet-bag containing the body of a new-born female infant. Dr. DaAvson was at once sent for, and the girl was put to bed, and cared for. In reply to further inquiries she stated that she could not tell when the child was bom. On Sunday night whether it was alive or dead. There are no marks J. violence on the body, hut the question of its vitality at the time of birth will have to be settled by the post-morteem examination. The room in which the girl was separated from the adjoining apart ments by only a thin partition, bat the inmates of them heard no cry. The girl intended to remove the body to the ceme tery as soon as she was .sufficiently strong to go out. She is a native of the north of Ireland, and has been about three years in New Zealand. The putative father is sup posed to be a commercial traveller who left for Australia some months ago. Detective Jeffrey caused the body to be removed to the Police Station, where the post-mortem examination is being held to-day.

HARBOUR BOARD.—This Day.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Harbour Board was held this afternoon. Present : Messrs Daldy (Chairman), Niccol, i Tole, Eaton* Isaacs, Hill, McKenzie, Mays, Maseneld, Kissling, and Boylan. KETURN OF WRECKS. A letter was read from the secretary of Customs as to return of wrecks. Received. The statement of accounts was read and passed, shewing a general cash balauce of £4,337 16s 7d ; accounts paid and ordered to be paid, £241 15« 5a Loan account: balance in Bank, £45()1 lls Sd ; accounts for payment, £134 13s 3s : total £4,426 18s sd. Cash on deposit, £80,000; mortgage, £5,180 : total, £85,180. RAILWAY WHARF. A letter from Mr Hill, Collector of Cus tom's, respecting the Railway Wharf was referred to the Works' Committee to report upon at the next meeting of the Board.' REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. Reports of Endowment, Wharf, Works, » and Financial Committees were brought up ' and accepted.

A communication was read from Welling ton respecting the proposed line of railway across the Freeman's Bay Reclamation Works.

After^ some discussion on the subject, Mr Kissling moved, and Z\lr Isaacs seconded, " Tliat the Harbour Board are desirous of affording every facility to the Government for carrying out the urbposed line of railway, and that the Chairman be requested to meet the Government on. the matter. " FISH STALLS. A letter was read from Mr. F. Williams, and several others, respecting the removal of fish-stalls from the wharf, hoping that the Board will reconsider their former decision, as it would be most inconvenient to remove to Wynyard Pier. The chairman moved, " That the Board see no reason for altering their decision." Mr. Mays thought the removal would do away with the dealers altogether. Mr. Boylan asked if such removal would interfere with the men getting a living. The opinion expressed was, that it would not. Mr. Mackenzie seconded, and the motion "\yas carried. • ; Mr Kissling- moved, "That the engineer be instructed to survey and form an esti mate of the cost of constructing a road from the reclamation in Mechanics' Bay to St George's Bay road in the Parnell Highway District." Mr McKenzie moved, " That the stream dredge he laid up until such time as sui table silt punts are built for carrying the silt." LAND SURVEYOR. There were eleven candidates, and tho result of the. -balloting was in favour of Mr H. N. Warner, avlio was duly appointed. NEXT BOAED MEETING. On account of the Christmas holiday fall ing on the ordinary date of the Board meeting it was resolved to hold the next meeting on the 29th inst.

TELEGRAPHIC.

(FROM OUR OWN COREESPO^DfiNf).

Ihere was a nice gold Hud in the Golden Calf mine today, SOOJrt. below the surface. They iiave simk a winze on the new reef, 20ft. below tiie main level, and opened out a lode IS irches Vk ; oA shol Pllt in to-day, and broke out , ii ■ i lbs of ncli spociniens from the hanging wall side where golcOs still i» sight. lhe Golden Calf tribntovs AV'aite and party, crushed 1 tons for 10 o.«s , - { he Kur»nui Hill tribute (Hutchinson) crashed io tons for 136 ozs. 19 dvrts. Coutes crashed 30 tons for 51 ozs. lodg-ed, and more to come from the linal cleaning up. \})% Owharoa battery -mil not start crushing untU \\ ednesday after Now Year's Day. \t-4-r. ,-,XA LIJELESS CHEQUES. At the Police Court to-day, Patrick McCoskin, iormerly draper of Wellington, and subsequently working on the roads between Napier and Tau ranica pleaded guilty to issuing two valueless enemies m Ohinemuri, and one'at the Thames, and was sentenced to four months for each, the sentences to be cumulative.

~„ THEFT. Ihomas Morton, fov stealing a silver watch and chain from John Fonnell, carter, was sen tenced to ts months,

RUSSELL, this day. Ihe lona arrived at 9.30 a.m. Arrivals — Onward, from Whwaroa: Hustle and lluby, from Auckland ooft R, eSatta will be held at Russell on-thff 2Sth o± tlus month.

THE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1876.



t&*H. IT 1 ° R NOUMEA. "ll^Ni^te^il^ ne **ne f°re-an(l-aft schooner Will sail on THURSDAY next, 14th instant. For freight or passage apply to the Captain on board; or, to H. F. ANDERSON & CO., Agents. «^fe=fe^ CJTEAM ON THE KAIPARA . 3§||||g£3 WATERS. The B.s. MINNIE CASEY will make two trips to Wairoa, as follows: — Leaves Helensville—Sunday, Dec. 17. „ „ —Tuesday, Dec. 19. „ Kaihu—Monday Dec. 18. „ „ —Wednesday, Dec. 20. J. CASEY & SON. "nOAKD.OF EDUCATIO 1\ T. Candidates for Scholarship, open to Pupils from the District Schools, and for Certificates of Proficiency, an1! reminded that the Examina tions will take place TO-MORROW, the 13th instant, at the Temperance Hail, at 10 a.m. FREDERICK J. MOSS, Secretary. BOARD OF EDUCATION. Tenders are invited on or before the 20th instant for School and Teacher's House, at Mer cer. Either building may be tendered for separately. Information at the office of Board, in Auckland, and at Mr. Tuos. Wells' Store, Mercer, to whom tenders are to be addressed. The lowest or any Tender not necessarily accepted. O B E R T PENNEY, CHIMNEY SWEEP, opposite the Baptist School-room door, Chapel-street, Auckland. All Orders punctually attended to. Ciiajrges Reasonable. B A" Z A" A" R7 IN AID OF THE FUNDS fob the ERECTION of a MISSION SCHOOL CHURCH IS UNION-STREET, In connection with St. Matthew's Church, will be held in the LORNE-STREET HALL on the 14th, 15th, and 16th DECEMBER, 1876. On the Evening of the 14th, a GRAND PRO MENADE CONCERT will be given, under the •iirention of Mr. Joseph Browne. Admission to the Bazaar, Is.; Children, 6d. Contributions may be sent to any of the follow ng Ladies: —Mrs. Hassard, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Oadman, Mrs. Halstead, Miss Eames, and Miss Vickers. Donations of Books (old or well read) to Mr. Webb, jun., Hobson-street. Readers who need a fashionable coat, Or fancy vest and trousers, please to note. HL. POSSE-NISK lE, : © ! i In thanking his patrons and the general public lor past favours, begs to intimate that he has \ :r ' m PJ3MOVED REMOVED 1E& J TO MORE CENTRAL PREMISES ' (First #hop in Shortland-stkeet), t AND HAS t UST OPEN'SO A NEW AND CHOICE f SELECTION OF TWEEDS, FANCY s COATINGS AND VESTINGS, t &a, Sec,., &c. t ;



Remnants



"pUBNITUBE ARCADE S3T CARPETS ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! m- FURNITURE! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE m- BEDDING ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE 83T FLOOR CLOTHS ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! ear DRESS GOODS! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! m- MILLINERY! FOR THE PEOPLE ! CITY HALL ARCADE! m MEN'S CLOTHING ! FOR THE PEOPLE ! CITY HALL ARCADE! m BOYS' CLOTHING ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! Grandest Display of Goods, and Greatest Variety, at the S3T CI T V II AL L TEa DRAPERY AND F.URNITURE ARCADE. HOLLO WAY & GARLICK, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C. R. Cbanwkll, Manager of Furniture Department. J^ 0 T 1 C E. In addition to their NEW SEASON'S STOCK of SPRING AND SUMMER DRAPERY GOODS, the undersigned are now offering a number of SPECIAL LINES, at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES:— Strong White Calico, at 3/10 per doz. Grey Calico, /3J per yard Crcwdson's Best White Calicos, an overstock, offering Cheap, to reduce Splendid value in Winceys, from /I per yard Superior 30 in. wide ditto, /9i yard, worth 1/2 Good Blue Dungaree, /8 per yard 3i; in. Derry. brown and gray, /[W, best quality New Japanese Silk, 1/ anil 1/ij per yard Plain Blue Cloth, U0 in. wide, I,'G per yard, half price Blue Diagonal Cloth, double width, 5/per yard, half-price Melton Cloth, double width, 3/G per yard Waterproof Tweed, double width, 3/U per yard . Strong Tweed for Hoys' Clothing, 1/11 yard White Blankets. 13/ per pair Blue Blankets, 13/ Grey Blankets, 9/6 „ White Turkish Towels, ,'ll Job lot Children's Brown and Grey Cotton Socks, from /3 per pair. Other Goods equally Cheap. Inspection Invited. RUSHB ROO X & BRIDGMA N, (Late R. Hobbs), JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite Army and Navy Hotel), Uppek Q.uebn-stkrkt. Auckland. YXVRNITURE! FURNITURE! Ladi.es and Gentlemen about to Furnish are respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DRA iV/iVa RoOM, D[NLNG- ■ ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL MOUSEhOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacious Shoiorooms T. & 3. COOKE, 67, QU&ES'-SI'XUBT Adjoining Bank of New Zealand.] i With every pulsation that forc*-pump of the body, the heart, sends coursing through the arteries and veins the rosy fluid which sustains life and nourishes the system. If the vital cur rent becomes contaminated with impurities or gets thin and watery from Insufficient assimila tion of the food, the most disastrous consequences may be apprehended. Depurate the blood and infuse vigor into th c gastric organs with LI DO U'UO Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps to re store purity and richness to tbe circulation. Mark Twain on Bad Musicians. — The musical public and general readers are cautioned not to purchase Weston's Wizard Oil and Mutdc Villa without pn,roi!ully oxnTiiiuiug the OUr>[3o wrapper—and1 be sure that the words "None Genuine without the Signature of the Proprietor, Frank West on, Sydney, N.5.W.," are engraven thereon. Any other so-called preparations of mine, are unauthorized by me, and calculated to mislead the public.—Signed, Frank Western. Sole Agents: Kempthornc, Prosser and Co.— I Price, Half-a-crown.



at greatly



Seduced Prices



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