SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

trrriTT w i ttpv> i This Afternoon, 10.5 G. HIGH WATER- j To . morrow Morning, 11.19. SUN SET.—This Evening, G. 50. SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 4.42. MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, 21th Nov., 4.6 p.m,

ARRIVALS.

Southern Cross, s.s., Holm :s, from Napier, via Thames Wellington, s.s., Lloyd, from the South

DEPARTURES.

Argyle, s.s., for Wangarei Ringleader, revenue cutter, Grey, for a cruise Victoria, barque, for Newcastle Oamilla, brigantinc, for Newcastle

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Coromandel—Argyle, s.s., Mondays and Fridays For VVauijurei—Argyle, every Tuesday For the North—lona, s.s., every Monday For Tauranga—Rowena, s.s., Monday next For London—Orari, ship; City of Auckland, early; Rapido, barque, early For Newcastle—Victoria, barque, early For Wangaroa—Camilla, brigantinc, at once. For Napier—Southern Cross, Thursday. For the South—Wellington, s.s., Friday.

The s.s. Wellington arrived at Onehunga wharf this morning at noon. She left Port Chalmers at 2 p.m. on the loth : Lyttelton at 5 p.m. ; Wellington at 2 a.m. on the 12th ; Picton a.jain at 9 a.m.; Nelson at 12 p.m. 20th; and Tiranaki at 4 p.m. and arrived off the Manukau Heads 5 a.m. 22nd. Crossed the bar, and arrived as above. Experienced tine weather thoughout the passage. Passengers: Messi-s Hitching, Leaf, Short, Mal.ng. Farnall. Maginnity, liich ards, Duncombe, Lake. French, .Bonnet, Lnrllow, Marshall, Ban s lale. Twigs', Paul, liayley. Mesdames Hitching, LaVe, Twigg, and 10 in the steerage. We are indebted to Mr. MeCorinick, pursrr, for files.

Per Wellington, from the South: 31 packages and cases, 100 bundles bags, 1 cow, 1 calf, 7 bales, 316 sheep.—Henderson & Macfarlanc, Agents.

The cargo of the City of Auckland is being rapidly discharged. It is turning out in capital condition, scarcely a case being even discoloured. The barque John Matthues will jbe be ready for sea by the end of the week.

A telegram from Lyttelton informs us of the arrival of the brigantine Scabird from the Chatham Islands. Tips Seabird left hero about six weeks a.^o, with apparatus for floating the wreck of the Agnes. The telegram is silent as to what steps have been taken forjthe recovery of the wreck.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs E. and H. Isaacs yesterday held a sale of emigrants fittings, baths, lead piping &c, ex ship Orari from London. The attendance was good, bidding, brisk, and satisfactory prices were realized.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-mor-

row at 6.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Friday next,

at 2.30 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per

Rowena, this day, at 4 p.m. For Tairua, per Atlanta, this day, at 4 p.m. For Napier and Gisborne, per Southern Cross, to-morrow,at 3.15 p.m. For Tryphena, per Three Brothers, to-morrow,

at 4.15 p.m. For Tar&naki, Southern Provinces, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Wellington, on Friday next, at 11.15 a.m. Late letters will be received till 11.30 a.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakaua, and Te Arai, per Annie Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. (Signed) S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

DARGAVILLE—At Parncll, on the 21st inst, the wife of J. M. Dargavilic, Esq., of a daughter.

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

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1876

Fur tiio c.-.vie tlint lacks assistance, l-'r.r the v.T')i;;f trnit needs resistance, J-or ill-- luluru in the distance. Ami th.c (.;ood that we c;m do.

It is not with any desire to provoke de novo the discussion on big and little docks—which has engaged the attention of everyone having the least smattering of nautical knowledge during the last ten years—that we again refer to the subject. But we wish to draw the attention of the Harbour Board to one of the conditions on which the dock contract was let, and which may now, but cannot in a month or two hence, be taken advantage of. The Harbour Board lias power at any time before the first stone is laid to call upon the contractors to deepen the dock at schedule prices. Much as we object to the principle of altering the specifications of a contract once let, we feel con vinced that unless the dock is deepened it will prove a gigantic failure. Profes sional opinion on this question appears to be undivided, and it would lie well for the Board to discuss the subject before all chance of rectifying their error passes away. The interests at stake are too large—too fi aught with weal or woe for the whole future of this port—to be lightly dealt with, and we would, therefore, again force upon the attention of the Board the serious nature of the blunder which they are perpetrating with their eyes open.

The Kaimai Committee hasjadoptcd a very sensible method of bringing tho grievances and wishes of the settlers before the Gov ernment. In a memorandum addressed to the Hon. Mr Whitaker, a copy of which we have received, the committee enter at con siderable length into an account of the series, of disappointments and drawbacks that have prevented the district from attain ing to the condition of advancement and prosperity which its natural advantages would, under wise government, have se cured. Tanranga has languished under the taihoa policy, and if, in their determination to throw oil" the galling incubus and aufc in dependently, the settlers were carried to excess, the blame might fairly bo laid at the door of the Native Office. In agitating and even threatening to adopt measures of their own, the settlers have taken the only course that was open to them. The statement submitted for Mr Whitaker's consideration is expressive of. a desire to do nothing with-

out the concurrence of the Government, and from present prospects there is every reason for hoping the difficulty will be peaceably and satisfactorily overcome.

The Kaipara timber trade is increasing largely in importance. The weekly ship ping returns from Aratapu and the Tc Kopuru mills illustrate this in a forcible manner. Whereas, a year ago, never more tli'an two or three vessels used to be waiting to load at the mills, there are now, as a rule, about 'a dozen craft, varying from the barque of 500 tons to the cutter of 20, waiting their turns either in the .stream or alongsidethe wharves. It is very evident that the depression which made the trade so stagnant last year, lias been succeeded by a period of unusual activity. The prices a year ago were too high for the good of the trade, and the present scale is much 1 tetter adapted to encourage buyers in Australia and the South. Where kauri has been given a fair chance against baltic timber, it has proved its superiority, but till recently the price has prevented it having a fair chance. It may not be widely known that it is only in Auckland kauri timber is gen erally used for such purposes as flooring, shelves, kitchen fittings, window sashes, &c. As yet the timber employed in Australia for these useful requirements is mainly the Baltic pine. Only last year nineteen million feet were imported into Melbourne from England and Norway, and the year before last the total was twenty throe millions. Some few months ago the Union Sash and Door Company sent a trial cargo of dressed kauri to Melbourne in the Wild Wave. We are informed that the timber, which had been very carefully seasoned,sold well,and created a good deal of comment in the Melbourne market. Fresh orders for similar cargoes have lately come to hand, so that the first shipment must be looked upon as having proved a success. The Tc Kopuru Mill tried a similar ex periment some years ago, but did not follow it up. The chief difficulty is the prepara tion of the timber which requires great care bestowed upon it. If the Sash and Door Company can sufficiently overcome this to supply the orders promptly and well, there is an immense Held open to them, which it is well worth their while to operate upon.

A CARLE despatch from Australia states that the Premier of New South Wales, in a speech on Monday night, stated that although there were some differences between the Government of thatjj colony and New Zealand, relative to the arrange ment of the San Francisco Mail Service, he believed that "New Zealand would meet New South Wales fairly bo as to preserve the Service." This .statement, although satisfactory as indicating a desire on tho part of our sister colony to maintain the .service, and combine with New Zealand in doing .so, is unique ill its way. When it is considered that all the unreasonable demands and conditions have come from New South Wales, and the willingness^ to forego advantages secured under the existing contract is required, and was readily yielded by this colony, it must be admit ted that Mr. llobcrtson's ideas are a little mixed. If meeting New South Wales fairly means paying a full share of the subsidy, at the same lime accepting a completely subordinate position in the arrangement of the Service, we think it extremely probable that even the desire of preserving the Service Avill not lead New Zealand into an acceptance of Mr. Robert son's conditions. Perhaps, however, and this is not unlikely, Mr. Robertson meant to say, that rather than allow the Service to fall through, New South Wales would be prepared to meet New Zealand fairly. In that case, the satisfactory arrangement indicated in his speech, will doubtless be arrived at.

TIIB liability of landlords and tenants for rates, under the Rating Act, IS7<>, is of general interest. Where a house is let for any period less than six months, the owner shall Ite deemed the occupier, and shall be so entered on the valuation roll, becoming priinarilly liable for the rates. Rates due by an occupier, when unpaid for three months, may also bo recovered from the owner, who can afterwards sue his tenant for the amount. An occupier is, however, liable in like manner for rates due and un paid by the owner, up to, but not exceeding the value of his rent, from which he is empowered to deduct the sum paid by him in satisfaction of his landlord's liability. Under these provisions, a weekly, monthly or quarterly tenant is exempted from legal responsibility for rates. By private agree ment with his landlord, however, lie may of course divest himself of the protection afforded by the Act.

A very material blunder in the Counties Act appears to have escaped the vigilence of members of parliament, printers, and the host of others who have perused this Act. In clause 12, referring to the power of a County Council at its drat meeting to determine that the whole of the Act shall not come into force, sub-section 1 of the Act, as printed and gazetted, snys that upon the passing of such resolution, the sections mentioned in the "second" sche dule shall not have force. The schedule intended is doubtless the third, and not the second schedule.

At the sitting of the Divorce Court at Wellington yesterday the case of Brown v Brown, and George Blowse alias Simeon Full, was heard. Mr Pitt appeared for the petitioner, who married his wife at Auck land. Finding her one day sitting on the knee of the co-respondent, she left him, taking her infant child with her, and went to live with Full. The husband .shortly after went to live at Nelson, where he prac tised as ;i photographer, in lS(>'o. There was no Divorce Court then, and when one was established, his business was so precarious that he had not the means to sue for a divorce, though ho had in the meantime ascertained that his wife was living as a prostitute. Witness adduced evidence to show the Bench that lie took proceedings as soon as his circumstances warranted. William Purjly, of Auckland, deposed to Mrs Brown living jn a house of ill-fame. Detective Jeffrey said^ he knew Blowse's proper name to be Full. Tho Bench considered the petitioner had proved his case, and granted a decree nisi upon the usual terms.

We regret to hear that Sir George Grey is still sutlcring from bronchitis.

The secretary, on behalf of the Committee of the Ponsonby Fancy Dress Ball, has forwarded to the EVENING STAR, for the St. Stephen's Orphan Home Institution, the sum of one guinea.

Mr Harris, an inmate of the Old Men's Refuge, desires to acknowledge through the St.v; the receipt of 30a from Mr J. Chad wick, J,l\, for Turkish baths. Mr Harris has suffered from rheumatism. Mr Biggs has also given medicine.

Napier-street, named after a cluster of heroes—the Napicrs of warfare and litera ture—is rapidly improving to the satisfac tion of the inhabitants. The deep gully, so dangerous on a dark night, is almost tilled up, and in the early part of the next year, the people of this district will have a good passjible thoroughfare.

The rota of attendance at the High-street Court of Petty Sessions, on Tuesday next, includes the names of Messrs T. B. Kender dine, W. H. Kenny, D. M. Luckie. G. S. Kissling, E, B. Lusk, J. May, T. Macfar lanc, C. C. McMillan, H. D, Morpoth, L. D. Nathan, L. A. Nathan, H. M. Nation, J. Newman, D. L. Murdoch, and A. O'Neillj chairman, U. M. Mitford.

A correspondent, writing from the Thames, forwards a lengthy communication on the recent political proceedings there, on which he strongly condemns the policy of the "Thames Advertiser." Space does not admit of the publication of the letter in full, but we make the following extract : — " The reception given to Sir George Grey, is a complete answer to the false, and malignant statements circulated by the friends and admirers of William Howe. The astonishment of the last-named gentleman at his own reception by the "people of the" Thames " was most laughable, and notwith standing the deliberate mis-statement made by the "Advertiser," that Mr Speight hurried the chairman out of the chair, the moment William RoAve made his appearance upon the stage, the fact remains, he received the reward he so .richly deserved for his traitorous conduct to his constituents, and never was any man more heartily hooted, and hissed from any stage. It is only fair to your Central Committee in Auckland that they should be informed that Rowe's people have industriously circulated a re port that £50 was forwarded by them to the Thames to pay our expences of the recep tion, and to pack the meeting. I need not comment upon the meanness of such asser tions ; the enthusiastic cheering of Sir George Grey, and the eqiially spontaneous hooting at William Rowe is a complete answer to such miserable statements."

At an early hour this morning, consider able amusement was occasioned near the Waitemata Hotel, by a horse that declined to pull a cart load of "stoor" or street sweepings. The driver was evidently a Good Templar, for lie gave vent to no san guinary adjectives or other strong exple tives, notwithstanding great provocation on the part of his quadruped friend. Some times the biped would guide his horse in a scries of circles, at other times push him stern first, but all of no avail. Dobbin was then blindfolded, but although he had no aversion to play at "blind Harry," he dis played stubborn disinclination to go where his* driver wanted. At this juncture,

a knight of St. Crispin stepped for ward, and taking a snuff box from his pocket, exclaimed " knowledge is power," at the same time blowing a large pinch of snuff up the nostrils of cross grained Dobbin. The efl'ect was magical, as the snuff evidently made him forget all about his previous stubborn determination not to proceed, he went off like a lamb in the direction required. No doubt friend Tinsley will be up in arms at the bare idea of learning our horses to take snuff, but in the case referred to it proved far more humane and effectual than the last.

A nice little anecdote is told of the Em press Eugenic, who alighted on Chislehurst Common the other day in the midst of

a pouring rain, and resigned her carriage to a poor man who had been suddenly taken ill. The Empress walked all the way home.

Rumours were circulated throughout town yesterday, that the authorities at the Immigration depot, had been behaving with great cruelty to some of the passengers of the Orari, who had not succeeded in gaining employment, by stopping their rations, and thus reducing them to a state of starvation. A representative of theSTAK visited the Barracks yesterday, and the report lie brings, (juite relieves the ollicials from any stigma which may rest on them from such report. It appears that there are seven families ex Orari, still resident at the Government expense in the Barracks : three of these are Germans ; two English, and two Irish. It is the rule of the depot that persons using the place more than a week shall not have free rations supplied them. This rule is, however, relaxed nearly every time an immigrant ship arrives, and has been in the present case It is now much over a fortnight since the Orari's immigrants took v]) (heir quarters in the depot, and up to (Sunday the rations were supplied as usual. The authorities were satisfied with the behaviour of all those left, except one immigrant, who has been systematically lazy, and has kept a portion of the premises in a very dirty condition. At length, on Sunday, the immigrant was informed that no more rations would lie supplied unless they were earned by work. Mr Bropliy allotted a certain amount of work ; but the immigrant in question lias since been circulating the rumour that the authorities were starving the unengaged im migrants. We believe the above to be the true facts of the case, and if so, the ollicials have done nothing but what the circum stances perfectly justified.

A conversazione will Ijc held in the Lornc-strect Hall 10-morrow (Thursday) oven in*,',, for the purpose of welcoming Mr Broomhall to Auckland, and considering willi 111111 the Temperance Settlement scheme. The musical arrangements ■will humidor the direction of Rev. S. Edger, and Mr V. E. Rice. Mr J. C. Firth will take the chair.

Major Gordon inspected the Volunteers last evening in the Drill-shed, hut the place was .scarcely in order, as many of the exhibits had not been cleared away in connection with the late exhibition. The men mustered well. The Hobson Company, headed by their excellent baud, subsequently marched to the. wharf, under command of Captain Dignan. The band performed several lively operatic and martial airs on the route, much to the amusement of the public.

The ratepayers of Ponsonby will hold a meeting in the Ponsonby Hall on the Bth proximo, for the purpose of electing duly qualified persons to fill the two vacancies in the district highway board.

The concert and quadrille party for the benefit of the widow and orphans of the late Mr Moran, who died on the voyage out from England in the ship Orari, will take place on Monday evening next, in the Lome-street Hal!. A good programme is being prepared for the occasion. The entertainment will be under the manage ment of Mr E. W. Ward:

We have received a copy of " The Guide to Sorrento," which gives a description of the sanatorium of Victoria. The portion describing the passage to Sorrento, states previous to the arrival of this "splendid boat,!' the fare was 20s for a return ticket, but the cost has since been reduced to 7s (id. When we remember that the Golden Crown Avas purchased for £10,400, she must have proved a good speculation to her present owners. The pamphlet says :— " The Golden Crown-is owned by a company, capital £15,000, in shares of £1 each. Competent judges pronounce her to 1)0 honestly worth '£20,000. There are a few unsold shares obtainable at 2s G'l premium."

Sir George Grey has given a sum of £10 for schools at the Thames, working under the Education Act, to be distributed in prizes for the scholars at the Christinas vacation. He has also given a donation towards the funds of the Waiotalii Creek school festival.

We have to acknow]eged 5/ from a friend, and £1 from Dr Kenderdine, for Mrs. Coughlan.

Our readers will remember that Sub- Inspector Wheeler was committed for trial at Clermont for murder, accusation being, that in cold blood he had caused an unhappy black to be tortured to death by flogging. Of course we all know that it is ridiculous to expect a white man to be hanged for the murder of a black in Queensland. Wheeler's friends applied that ho should be let out on bail ; the application was granted, and when the trial came on the accused was, as every one expected he would be, not to be found.

A sad result of morbid sentimcntalism, produced probably by too much reading of highly-spiced romances, is telegraphed from Connecticut. At the town of Wellington, in that State, on September 7th, two girls, one aged 14 and the other 17, took strych nine with the intention of killing them selves. ' The younger girl died in four hours. Just before death she stated that her motive was that no one cared for her; that her dead mother was calling her, that she was tired of life, and had no one to love. Two young men who were present when the fatal dose was taken were urged to partake, and say they thought the whole affair a joke. The elder girl is still alive, but may die.

The following curious case of mistaken identity is related by the " Liverpool Cou rier" of Sep. 16th : —"A few days ago a mistake was made at Morecambo which must delight all believers in the Darwinian theory, a mistake which is either a gross ilatteiy upon a dead monkey or unconscious satire upon human nature. The body of what was supposed by the discoverer to be a defunct mortal was found lying on the beach at Hcysham, near Morecambe, having undoubtedly been left there by the receding tide. The police were communicated with, the coroner warned, and a jury summoned, and all the machinery for holding an ortho dox inquest was put in force and kept going, until the examination of a medical man proved the suspected human corpse to be but the carcase of a monkey, which had probably been thrown overboard from some ship, and which so closely resembled in ap pearance a human being as to require a ' scientific expert' to tell the difference.

Mr W. Kowc proposes to visit Ohinemuri and Coromandel, and will address his con stituents at the Thames, on Saturday even ing.

The parishioners of St. Matthews' closed their series of entertainments for the season last evening with a kind of conversazione, or social gathering, comprising music and song. Mr Joseph Brown performed a musical portion of the " Creation," and Mrs Morrin, with her rich clear voice, sang several passages from the " Messiah." Rev. Mr Hassard presided, and expressed a hope that these social gatherings of the members of the church, would continue in the further ance of cheerfulness and good neigh bourhood.

In our fourth page to-night appears an interesting account of the Kaffir war iv the Transvaal Republic, South Africa, and other reading matter.

Mr Luke, the chairman of the Otahuhu Education Committee, has received a comu nication from the Board of Education, giving the consent of the latter to the purchase of (lie school-site at the junction of the station and Great South Road. The conveyance of the site from Mr Fairburn is to be at once made out. >

Judging by the crowds flocking to the New Zealand House, Mr W. Rattray'sclear ing-out gale is being very largely taken ad vantage of by those desirous of laying in a stock of summer clothing. Yielding to the general rage among the drapers for sacrific ing good.s at a tremendous discount, Mr. Matt ray lias marked down his stock at prices that are bound to command custom.

An enthusiastic vvliist player, supplies the following directions for making whist, enjoy able :—There are a few maxims for whist-play-] ing which J commend to those who are fond of Ihe game. The moment you receive your cards deo'.are they aro abominably bad ; thus, if you will, you can claim credit for your play, no matter what your opponents say. Hold your cards that they may not be sein by your adver sary, and take every opportunity of Jookin.tr over Ihe hands of your enemies. Never lead from your strongest suit, you only weaken your hand. First play out the miserable little cards, which are simply eyesores to you, and ought never to have been dealt to you, and then if you happen to have any court cards or trumps, your adver saries will be completely puzzled to know what luis become of them. Always keep your aces and kings and good trumps till the end, and when your partner, us astonished as your adversaries at seeing them all come out with a rush says, " What on earth could have induced you not to play those cards before I" Rive him a Lord Burleigh nod and say, "Allow me to play my own game ; I know what I'm about." That will probably irritate him, upon which you should remark blandly that you never lose youv temper at whist. Always claim honors-the other side may forget—and pocket any stray cash lying on the table. With that, those hints must end for the present.

The entertainment to be given to-morrow evening at the Young Men's Rooms in aid of a poor family promises to be a great .success. It is not often that a public audience has the pleasure of listening to v popular reading by Hoy. H. S. Ilassard, and this in itself is an attraction, but those who remember how Mr. llowden brought down the house when he took part in the last entertainment, will have an additional induce ment to go tlie Young Men's Rooms to-iuorrow night, as he will sing some of his choicest songs. The entertainment will take place at eight o'clock.

A new way of of getting rid of chronic patient. — The following story is told of an incident that occurred at one of! our provincial hospitals:—A Chinaman win had been a patient for sometime, and who at the request to leave the hospital, replied "No Bttvoo, was got rid of in the follow ing manner:—"A patient—married man— was admitted, suffering from a severe attack of deli rium trcinens. lie was placed in the same ward with Ihe Chinaman, and soon, after admission inquired after "his dear wife." The attendant pointed to the Chinaman's bed stating "there is your wife;." The delirious individual immedi ately went to the unfortunate Mongolian, and smothered him with kisses, at the same time using numberless terms of endearment only known to benedicts. The poor Chinaman was frightened and bewildered at such attentions, and as soon as he could release himself from the arms of his admirer, left the institution at the rate of knots, and has not since been scon by the hospital officials.

CABLEGRAMS.

[PRESS TELEGRAM AGENCY],

AUSTRALIAN,

PACIFIC MAIL SERVICE DIFFI CULTIES TO BE REMOVED.

SYDNEY, November' 21st,

The Premier's speech last night at Qiieen beyan, regarding the Pacific service, con tradicted the published statements that there was no likelihood of any arrange ment between this Government, thnt of New Zealand, and the contractors.' Althoiigh. there were some differences between the two Governments, it was fully believed they would be removed, and New Zealand would meet us fairly, so as to preserve the Service.

MESSRS. HUNTER AND NOLAN'S WOOL SALE.

Messrs. Hunter and Nolan held a large sale of wool, skins, and hides this afternoon, at the Durham Yards, The sale was well attended, and the subjoined' prices rea lised :— ...

. Lotl, locks, grease, 3sd, Sutherland; ldt 2, -half bred, do., 6"d, Sutherland ; lot 3, longwool, grease and washed, 7d, Potter ; lot 4, do., grease, 7d, Osborne ; lot 5, do.', do., Sd, Osborne ; lot 6', longwool, 7£d,' Sutherland; lot 7, do., Sd, Putter; lot 8, do., 7£ sd, Sutherland; lot 9, longwool, washed, ll|d, Sutherland ; lot 10, do., do., Is lid, Sutherland; lot 11, do., grease, Bd, Osborne ; lot 12, do., do., 9d, Browning; lot 13, do., do., S^d, Gittos ; lot 14, do., do., Bgd, Browning; lot 15, do., do., B£d, Suth erland ; lot 16", do., do., S£d, Osborne ; lot 17, do., do., BJd, Browning, lot 18, do., do., Sfd, Sutherland; lot 19, do., do., Bd, Os borne ; lot 20, do., do., 8-id, Gittos ; lot 21, do., washed. Is o£d, Browning, lot 22, do., d0.,1s Id,Osborne; lot 23,do,do,llgd,Brown ing ; 10t24,d0.,d0.,1s Id, Sutherland ; lot 25, do., do., Is Id, Browning j lot 26, do., do., Is ljd, Osborne; lot 27, do., d0.,1s O^d, Browning ; lot 28, do., do., Is 2£d, Gittos ; ot 29, do., do., Is l^d, Browning; lot 30, do., d0.,1s lfd, Browning: lot 30A, do., B^d, Osborne ; lot 31, do,, do., Is2d, Brown-

iing: lot 32, do., grease, B|d, Browning; lot 33, do., do., 9d, Browning; lot 34, do., do., Bgd, Browning; lot 35, half-bred, do., 7WGsborne; lot 36, longwool, do., 7£d, Osborne ; lot 37, do., do., BJd, Browning ; lot 38, do., do., Bfd, Browning ;lot 39. do., do., 9£d, Osborne; lot 40, do., do., Bgd, Browning.

THE HAUNTED HOUSE !

To the Editor of the EVENING STAR. Sir,—l beg to join the " One who Knows" in, the most emphatic denial to the statement that any supernatural manifes tations occurred in the house of your correspondent, and that he must vent his indignation upon that reporter who furnished the public with such an infamous fabrication, and garbled mis representation. I call upon him to apologise for the unwarrantable manner in which he has dragged my name before the public ; and if such a course is to be allowed whereby every penny-a-liner, can scandalize respectable citizens, when and how they please, it is time that honesty and truthful ness was made a qualification necessary for writing for a daily journal. Years ago I made it a rule to avoid controversy in the public journals, otherwise you would have had replies to statements published on other occasions. lam only too glad to afford any information in my power upon topics of public interest if asked in a proper spirit, and am able to defend my opinions if allowed to do so.—Yours truly, J.C.W. Note—lt is not always convenient to reply, not having a pen in my hand and desk before me as you have. [Our reporter furnishes the desired ex planation in another column. —Ed. E.S.]

THE UNION BEACH MINE

To the Public and Shareholders of

thk Union Beach Mine.

(Per favour of the Editor of the EVENING Stab.) Gentlemen, —I wish to direct your atten tion to my letter in the "Southern CrossJ" this morning. In it I merely touched on the mismanagement of your affairs. Any one who was present at the last annual meeting could see that it was not conduc ted with anything approaching to honesty. But this last appointment of a director, Mr. Wardrop, by three Auckland directors, without consulting anybody, is another proof of the extent to which you arc considered. Mr. Wardrop I know to be a good man, as I was on a Board with him be fore ; he attended one meeting in 18 months. The gentleman whose seat he occupies— Mr James Watt—was in England for 16 months. During his period of office he drew his honorarium with as good a grace as if he had attended to the Company's interests. It might be instructive also for Large shareholders to enquire how many shares he, holds ontlie Coirqa ly'sjregister. — Yours, &c, George McLkod.

POLICE COURT.—This Day

(Before O. S. Graham, and John Cosgrave,

Esqs., Justices of the Peace) A JOLLY PAIR.

Drummonfl was drunk, and in a fearful fix.

With Marples in his bed at half-past six. Alexander Druminond, an uncommercial traveller, was found drunk by Sergeant (lambic, and George Marples was discovered in a .similar plight, by Constable Foreman. The men pleaded guilty, and were lined 5s and costs, UNCONSCIOUS SLEEPERS. Spalding and Wakey in a shed were found, In peaceful slumber on the chilly ground. Evan Spalding, and Eardley Blakey, were charged under the Vagrant Act, with being found without lawful excuse in a shed at Kyber Pass, belonging to William Burton. The prisoners, who appeared in a wild, and destitute condition, pleaded guilty ; they were homeless. Sub-Insipectcr Pardy, said the men were notorious loafers, and would not work ; Blakey was an engineer and could earn good wages. Mr Burton said the. men were frequently in the habit of sleeping in his premises, and he feared his place would get on fire. The Bench reprimanded the prisoners,and ordered them to prison fora fortnight. "CAN SUCH THINGS BE ?" William was wrong1, and was a naughty, man For getting wroth, and striking IMary Ann. Williarii Burtenshaw, was charged with assaulting, his wife, Mary Ann, by threaten ing and beating her. Prisoner pleaded guilty. .The wife, a young woman, apparently , about twenty, with a baby in her arms, was not willing to press the charge, if William would promise to reform. Ordered to find sureties to keep the peace for twelve months, himself in £50, and two others ih £25, each. PILFERING. Maria Precnian t in wandering up and down,' Stole various-thing 3 from tradesmen in the )!" town.

Maria Freeman, an elderly woman; was charged "with stealing a number of articles, from several tradesmen ; to wit, 3 hats from Mr. Bennett, value 10s ; 2 coats from Mr. McLachian, value 255; pair ladies boots, value ss, the.property of Henry Neumagen, and a black leather bag, value 2s 6'd, the property of Ralph Keesing. ' ■* Prisoner pleaded not guilty, to all the charges; the goods were given to her by another person.

Detective Grace gave evidence as to finding the property upon the prisoner, and taking her into custody ; she said she had taken the things through a love of drink. Frederick J. Bennett, draper, deposed that Detective Grace brought three hats to his shop, value 10s ; they were' new goods ; he missed the hats from his stock; he recognized them as his property. William Beehan, shopman to Mr McLachlan, saw the old woman in his master's shop ; she did not purchase any thing ; the coat he recognized .as his employer's property. William H. Keesing recognized the boots as those missed from Mr Neumagen's shop. ■ ' i /,'//

Samuel ;Hemy Keesing. deposed to. the black leather bag as the property of Mr Ralph Keesing. Mr Andrew Heavey stated that prisoner pawned the bag at his shop in Wyndham street. v She said she bought it of a friend at Coromandel for 4s. Ho told her she had been sold. She had paid too much for her whistle*

Prisoner having made a long rambling statement, the Bench sentenced her to four month's imprisonment, being one month for each oft'ence.

FRESH OYSTERS. The rascals met poor Keppo, honest soul, And summoned him, and then his oysters stole. John ■ Irvine and Thomas Price were charged with stealing four kits of fresh oysters, value 2s, the property of Keppo, a native, on the 21st inst.

Prisoners pleaded not guilty. Mr Brown interpreted for the native. Prosecutor said his name -was Keppo He was called William. He resided in the W aiheke island. On Saturday last he came to Auckland with a boat load of kits of oysters. He left some of them by the wharf in the boat while he Avent into town to find customers. When he returned he missed four kits ; a thief had been into his boat and stolen the oysters. He knew the big man. Kerihi deposed that she was assisting to sell the oysters, but did not sell any to the prisoners. She knew the baskets, tliey were made by herself, by her own fingers. Sergeant Henry Martin said the native woman complained to him that the prisoner Price had stolen four kits of oysters. He took the prisoners into custody. * Constable Tapsall searched and found the

oysters in prisoners possession. Twoiti* 'a were in the water. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the men were labourers, and he knew of no other charge against them. The Bench spoke of the paltriness of the offence, and thought that any person who had a taste for oysters might get them by honest means.

Sentenced to five days imprisonment each,

The Alleged Haunted House.

On receipt of Mr J. C. Wilke's letter this morning, "vve despatched a reporter to inquire into the facts in connection with some information relative to the alleged haunted house at Newton. It is only right to state that there are several inaccuracies in the story, as given to us by our in formant, Avho is a resident at Newton. Our reporter first called upon Mrs Wilson, living next door to the house formerly inhabited by deceased. Mrs Wilson states that she has never been disturbed by any unusual noises, either in her own or the neighbouring house, and that she had not allowed any Spiritualistic circle to sit in her-house at any time. She has, however, been annoyed at night by a lot of young roughs, who have been in the habit of throwing stones and clay at the neighbour ing house, and run away iinder cover of the darkness. Last night a. lad called at Messrs Anderson and Elliott's Glasgow Store, Karangahape Road, and wanted to borrow a white sheet, in order- to frighten the "larrikins" away from the house. Now that we have drawn, attention to the matter, we trust the constable at the Newton station will take steps to abate the nuisance. Our reporter, after further inquiries learned that the alleged haunted house is situate in Newton Road. It is a small building occupied by an old lady who was a friend of the wife of the deceased, and. attended her during her illness some months ago. For a few weeks past the old lady has been disturbed by noises on the roof of her house, ana has reported the circrnn. stance to the neighbours. It is believed that some of the boys living in the locality have been in the habit of throwing stones on the roof dur ing the night, out of sheer mischief. The occupant of the house being au aged and lonely woman, has grown nervous at this dig turbance, and has attributed it to superna tural causes. So impressed was she with this idea, that she sought counsel and aid from Mr. J. C. Wilkes and his spiritist friends. It was arranged that a seance should he held in the house, and the old lady borrowed a table for the purpose from a friend residing on the. other side of the street. Accordingly, on Friday evening Mr Wilkes, accompanied by a co-spiritist and two mediums, proceeded to the house, and the usitfal preparations were made for a seance, the lights being extinguished. The circle was continued until about ten o'clock. It is not correct as stated, in our former article, that Mr Wilkes expressed a desire to withdraw at a certain stage of the proceedings. Further inquiry shews that Mr Wilkes sat out the seance, and our reporter regrets that he was led by erroneous information into impugn ing Mr Wilkes' fortitude under those trying circumstances. We have not received an authorised account of the alleged manifestations, but that given ill a former article was correct in almost every particular, excepting locality, and one or two unimportant inaccuracies which do not affect the real facts.

Since the seance, the old lady has been afraid to live in the house, and has given notice to her landlord of her intention to relinquish possession. We need only say that if any boys in the neighbourhood have been making the alleged noises and frighten ing a harmless old lady out of mere mis chief, the young scoundrels should be promptly detected, and punished. •

WESLEYAN DISTRICT MEETING.

The annual meeting of the Wesleyan min isters of the Auckland District commenced this morning in the schoolroom of the Pitt street church. There were present : the Revs. T. Buddie (Chairman), J. Wallis, J. WaiTCii, BL H. Lawry, W. Kirk, C. H. Sclm akenberp, W. Gittos,_W. J. Watkin, W. Rowsp> R. S.-rßujan.J. Smith, W J Williams, auduoaffi"vVialti! After devotional exercises the , chairman , delivered .a brief inaugural address,*in, rAvJiich- he reviewed the present position of the Methodist ■ church in this province,.and expressed regret that so few young men in the colony were offering themselves,as candidates for the ministry. The meeting'proceeded to elect its secretary, the honor falling to the lot of the Rev. H. H. Lawry. Tbe Rev. W. J. Wat kin was appointed letter-writer. It was decided that the meetings should be held daily, from 10 to 12. 45. a.m., and from 2.30. to 5 p.m. Committees were appointed to hear and report on the sermons of students.. After various preliminary matters were disposed of, the meeting proceeded to consider ■ the questions appointed for the conduct of district meeting business. Mr Joseph Buttle was proposed as a candidate for the ministry, and it was ' decided that his examination should take place to-morrow, and that he should preach his trial sermon in the Pitt-street School room, on Friday evening next*;

HUMAN VAMPIRES

The " Albany Argus " gives the following: —" Blood drinking has become quite popu lar of late years, and many invalids daily visit the abbatoirs of New York for the purpose of drinking the warm blood of the ox. It is a fact, not so generally known, however, that this appetite for blood in creases upon those Avho indulge in it. Women, who at first quaff with repugnance and some horror a wineglass of the warm crimson gore, gradually acquire a craving for it, and take down a tumblerfull with evident relish. Parties under this spell almost invariably manifest a de sire to try the effects of human blood. Two cases of this kind have been re ported in NeAv York. A young lady, be longing to a respectable family suffered in health while devoting herself to her academi cal studies. Her medical attendant, who vouches for the truth of the story, suggested blood-drinking. Permission and the neces sary privacy was secured at the abattoirs. Salutary effects were not long in following. The pallor left her cheek, her frame became more robust, and in 10 months she gained. 151bs in weight. From having been a pale uninteresting looking girl, she devoloped radiant beauty, and she married the younf* assistant of the medical adviser who had; saved her life. Well acquainted with the means by which she had been restored, her husband encouraged her curiosity respecting the effects of. various kinds of blood ; and probably quite as much for the purpose of his own professional in formation as for the gratification of her own wish, he opened a small artery in his leg and. permitted her to such the vital tide. An inordinate mania for her husband's blood forthwith supervened. He gratified her cravings again and again, until disgust for her became the predominent feeling of ghgl mind ; and after he had done mSl^^^^ great amount of physical injury, ne#j|»|pr her a final adieu and sailed for teru.JSagsi wTetched young wife now lies on a sick bed, and lives almost entirely on blood brought her from an abattoir. She is a monomania on the siibject, and, had she'the opportunity, Avo\ild undoubtedly become a vampire and banquet pei^etually on human blood. The other was that of a woman of 25, threatened with a decline. By the a4<

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 33, 1876.



m IMB E R . ROBERT BARTLEY, having charge of. the Kopuru Saw-Mill Company's Timber Yards, Breakwater Road, begs to notify to Builders, Contractors, Cabinetmakers, and others, that he has a Large and Varied Stock of TIMBER on hand, which he is selling at lowest rates. N.B. Orders from the country will be delivered and stowed into the Railway Trucks if required. October 10,1876. In consequence of a mandate from the stern and unrelenting Inspector of Nuisances, I am obliged to remove a quantity of Second-class Timber. Preferring Selling to Removing, Buyers have a good chance if they come at once.—E. CARR, Waikawau Yards, Custom house-street. TENDERS FOR FIRE BRIGADE PLANT. Town Clerk's Office, November 21,1876. The City Council will receive Tenders until WEDNESDAY, 29th instant, at 2.30 p.m., for the supply of the following articles :—Two Light Hose Reels, four Branch Pipes and Nozzles, four Hydrants, in accordance with patterns, terms, and specifications to be viewed at the Fire Brigade Station-house, Albert-street. The Council do not bind themselves to accept any tender. Tenders to be endorsed as above. P. A. PHILIPS, Town Clerk. JUTTING IN COBURG-STREET. Town Clerk's Office. November 21,1876. The City Council will receive Teuders until 2 30 p.m. on Wednesday, 29thinstant, for Cutting in Coburg-street, in accordance with specifica tions and terms, to be viewed at the Office of the City Surveyor, Canada Buildings, Queen street. The Council do not bind themselves to accopt any tender. Tenders to be endorsed as above. P. A. PHILIPS, Town Clerk, g -JTiURNITURE ! FURNITURE / ——— *•«*, ■*•■ Ladies and Ge?i>le>nen about to Furnish are respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DRAWING-BOOM, DINING-ROOM. BEDROOM, AND GENERAL BOUSE HOLD FURNITURE, In oxir Nev} anl SpacionsShovirooms T. & IIT'COOKE, 67, QUBEN STREET Adjoining Bank of New Zealand [ -VT O T I 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, /3i per yard Crewdson's Best White Cshcos, an overstock, offering Cheap, to reduce Splendid Value in Winceys, from /I per yard Superior 30 in. wide ditto, /9.f yard, worth 1/2 Good Blue Dungaree,/8 per yard 36 in. Derry. brown and grey, /9*, best quality New Japanese Silk, 1/ and 1/6 per yard Plain Bine Cloth, CO in. wide, 1/0 per yard, halt Blue Di.'^onal Cloth, double width, 5/peryard, Jialf-pricu Melton Cloth, double width, i/b per yard Waterproof Tweed, double widUi, 3,-ti per yard Stroag Twr-ed for iioys' Clothing, 1/11 yard White Blankets. 13/ per pair Blue Blankets, 13/ Grey Blankets, 9/J i, White Turkish To.vels, /il Job lot Children's Brown and Grey Cotton Socks, from /3 per pair. Other Goods cquahyCueap. Inspection Invited. KUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN (Late R. Hobba), JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite Army and Navy Hotel), "Upper Queen-street, Auckland.



TjiURNITURE ARCADE ear CARPETS ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE ear FURNITURE ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE t& BEDDING ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE m- FLOOR CLOTHS ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! &5T DRESS GOODS! FOR THE PEOPLE ! CITY HALL ARCADE! m 1 MILLINERY! FOR THE PEOPLE ! CIT V HALL ARCADE ! B& MEN'S CLOTHING ! FOR THE PEOPLE ! CITY HALL ARCADE! XST BOYS' CLOTHING ! FOR THE PEOPLE ! CITY HALL ARCADE! Grandest Display. ov Goods, axd Greatest Variety, at the KW CI T V HA L L 'T2a DRAPERY AND FURNITURE ARCADE. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, CABIN ETMAK ER S, U P UOLST ERE RS DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C. J?. CItAXWRI.L, ■\Tn.nntror of Furniture Pcparfement.. mII E REMAI NI N G PORTION JB ■ OK R. W. DYSON'S STOCK wtLL BE BROUGHT FORWARD TO-MORROW FOR SALE. G R E A T BARGAINS IN SILKS, MILLINERY, STRAW HATS, AND DRESS GOODS. J. COSGRAVE & CO. mHORNTON, SMITH! AND FIRTH'S A PRICES CURRENT •(Wholesale) :— Sacks. lOOlbs. oOlbs. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. cl. Crown Brand Flour, per ton 17 0 0 17 10 0 18 0 0 T. S. F. Canterbury Flour, ditto - - - 1G 0 0 1G 10 0 17 0 0 Seconds ditto ditto - 13 0 0 Sharps, ditto - - - 810 0 Bran, ditto - - - - 7 0 0 Fowl Wneat, per bushel, ss. to ss. Cd. The above prices include sacks and bags. Sacks and bag 3 not returnable. Terms—Cash. Auckland. Sth November. IS7fi.



Queer Feelings.—Odd sensations in various parts of the body, particularly in the head and lower extremities, which do not amount to actual pain, but avo, upon the whole, rather worse, trouDlc many persons. Almost in variably they proceed from nervousness and weakness. A few doses of that peerless nervine andinvi gorant, Udolpiio Wolfe's Shiedam Aromatic SCHNAPPS invariably dispel all such queer feel ings, and establish perfect bodily comfort and tranquility. The Medical Profession' have declared Steaxe's Superlative Ahomatic Tonic Wine to be a necessity to all in search of health, and especially to those suffering either from Incipient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and the dis orders arising therefrom. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to all who arc in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time arc desirous of studying health by taking that which will act most beneficially on tiie system. Mr. Wm. Johnson, Government Analy tical Chemist, report: — " I have examined Stcanc's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con taining about 16 per cent, of a very pure alcohol, and holding in solution a clear wholesome, Vegetable Bitter, combined with a fruity spicy aroma. I consider this Bitter a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotel keepers. Mark Twain ox Bad Musicians. — The musical public and general readers are cautioned not to purchase Weston's Wizard Oil and Magic Pills without carefully examining the outside wrapper—and be sure that the words "None Genuine without the Signature of the Proprietor, Frank Weston, 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 Weston. Sole Agents: Kcmpthorne, Prosser and Co.— Price, Half-a-crown.



Bazgaias



at



Wm 3Rcrttaf»y*»«



in



Qiotte&g &?Q->



Immense RetaQtipßS.