SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

rnnzx t* t a rvvo f This Afternoon, 9.11. HIGH "Alliß-- rro . morrow Mornillgi - 10 .8, SUN SET.—This Evening, 7.2. SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 4.35. MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter, Sth, 2.2 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Atalanta, schooner, from.Tairua

DEPARTURES.

Queen, schooner, for Hokianga.

IMPORTS.

Per Hero: 7 bales hops.—E. &H. Isaacs.

The ship, City of Auckland, has hauled away into the stream, where she will be painted and thoroughly cleaned prior to coming alongside again to take in her London cargo. The s.s. Southern Cross has arrived in Port Chalmers, where she was docked yesterday. The ketch Pearl is nearly ready to leave for Tonga. The barque Oriental from Wangaroa arrived at Melbourne on the ISth ult.

The 5.9. Taupo is due in the Manukau from the South to-morrow. She is advertised to leave again on the Bth inst. The s.s. Hero, which arrived last evening too late for xis to do more than annouueo the bare fact, experienced very heavy N.E. weather the last three days of the passage. She brought an average general cargo, and the following passengers :—From Melbourne : Mrs Banks. Mrs W. Rattray, Mr S. Binks, Mr and Mrs Larkins. Misses Larkins (5), Master J. 11. Lar kins, Miss Bogle, Messrs. J. M. Shcra, 11. B. Hussey, Hodgkinson, and 17 in the steerage. From ' Sydney : Mr and Mrs Scrivener and child, Mrs Palmer, Mrs Aloes, Ucv .lames Cosh, Rev H. S. Carpenter," Rev P. J. Hay, Messrs. Josh, Paxton, W. Curtis, M. Brown, Holmes. L-iwry. Solomon, and 3 infant children of the late Mrs W. H. Lloyd, who died on board on the 2nd inst (Saturday)", and 20 in the steerage.

The brig Syren, now in the Manukau, has encored outwards for Sydney. She will sai shortly with a full cargo of tlmbT.

Theschooner Tanna has discharged her cargo of maize in excellent order. Before leaving for Xew Caledonia she is to receive a new mainmast at the hand 3of Mr McQuarrie.

The hitch respecting'the contract for repairing the s.s. Pretty Jane has now been amicably settled, and Messrs. Fraser and Tinnc will at once set about the work.

The steam launch Eclipse is to mnke two trip: a week to Lucas' Creek, one to Henderson's Mill and two to Riverhead.

The barque E. J. Spence. Captain Gill, and the brigantine Louise were on the berth at Melbourne for this port when the Hero left. The barque Merzapore, 5^2 ton-s Captain Djdjux, was also loading for Auckland at the same p!ace.

The whaling brigantine Magellan Cloud is to rec ive a new and stronger mainmast before leaving for another cruise. It will be remem bered that she had to cast off the heads of two whales through her present masts not being sufficiently stout to hold them.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :—

For Thames, to-morrow, at 5.30 p.m.

For Coromandel, per Lalla Rookh, on Thursda;

next, at 1.30 p.m. ForWangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarci, Manga pai, Russell Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per Argyle, this day, at 4 p.m. For Norfolk Island, per Canterbury, to-mor-

row, at 1 p.m. For Tonga, per Carmichael, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Whitianga Tanranga, and Opotiki, per

Rowena, to-morrow, at Ip.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Aus-

tralian Colonies, per Taupo, on Friday nex;

at 11.15 p.m. Mails for India, China, Mediterranean ports, Continent of Europe, United Kingdom, via Suez, and ISouthampton, via Brindisi, will be made up per Wellington, on Tuesday, 12th

instant. For Australian Colonies, per Hero, on Thursday next, at 11 am. For registered letters, money

orders, and newspapers at 10 a.m. Late letscrs for Sydney and Melbourne will be received Per Zealandia, on Monday, 18th instant, as under: — For Kandavu, Sandwich 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.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of Cd in addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board up to time of sailing. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

Hundreds of disreputable speculators have sought to palm off upon the public fiery and adulterated drams for a benign cordial, to which the weak, the nervous, the dyspeptic, the sleep less, the despondent, owe more than to any other restorative of a century most prolihc in reme dies. But these vile imitations can never deceive those who have once used the Great Original, Udoi-pho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Sch napps, which is at once a donor and preserva tive of health.

Mark Twain on 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, Fr vn'K Westox, Sydney, N.5.W.." are engraven thereon. Any other so-called preparations ot mine, are unauthorized by me, and calculated to mislead the public—Signed. Frank West on. Sole Agents: Keinpthorne, Prosser ana Co.— Price, Half-a-crown.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENT.

j? q_ V,—The woman is morally liable for any debts she may contract, but if sued, may plead that she is married, and her husband responsible.

DEATH.

WISEMAN—On the sth December, Margaret, youngest daughter of James Wiseman, ol Wynyard-street, aged 11 months.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1876.

;'l[ ' l.l;'

The suburban districts are taking alarm lest their more ample revenues and tax bearing powers should be made to minister to l lie necessities of the county by which they have suddenly been surrounded. In Parnell, Itcmuem) and Newmarket the opinion of the ratepayers will shortly be taken at public meetings upon the question of amalgamating and forming a borough. It is estimated that the funds "arising from ordinary sources in the municipality would be ample for the government of the Corpor ation, and the maintenance of the regal state of a Mayor. To place the matter in ;i practical and intelligent form, we have compiled from the statistics for 1575, a few figures shewing what the actual position of tile proposed Corporation would be. The Government subsidy is estimated on the pound for pound basis, guaranteed for live years under the Financial Arrange ments Act, 1876", and is subject to some deduction for a pro rata contribution to wards the monies voted by the General Government for hospitals and charities within the Provincial District. The othei figures are as they were returned for 1ST"), (shillings and pence omitted), and have, no doubt, since materially increased, from property improvements. " The proposed new borough, then, would stand thus :—

9 £ r-1 >"5 O 3 zr -400 2,150 601 Cftl IOtJ U yS 2QO 750 17!) I'M 31 8%) 2733 900 109 100 117 tn.3

Parnell Newmarket Remuera .

Totals .. 5333 1100 1279 1270 . 251 2812 If tlic little district of Graf ton Road \ycre included—and it falls more naturally into this municipality than any other—the revenue would be increased £590, the urea by 175 acres, and the population 1000. In addition to the revenues mentioned, there ■would be about £1200 from slaughter-house and hotel licences. It may be stated gene rally thatthc Corporation would begin opera tions with a revenue of not less than £4000 a year, at the present low rating, which is .capable of being- doubled, without amounting to more than a shilling on the annual value, or less than half the city assessment. The population, without Grafton Road, 4,100,pv with that district, 5,100, exceeds the popu lation of Hokitika, Greymouth, Lyttelton, Port Chalmers, Napier, Wanganui, Oninaru, or any other of the thirty municipalities in the colony, with the exception of the live provincial capitals, and the Thames, and it is numerically only afew hundreds less than Nelson. The rage for municipalities, with all the pomp and pageantry of Aldermanic magnificence —imaginary, if not real —lias hitherto failed to seduce the suburban residents of Auckland from primi tive rural institutions. In Southern cities, ambition has exercised a more potent influence on the course of local politics, and we find around Dunedin a cluster of Mayors and Town Councillors quite bewildering. There is the Mayor of St. Kilda, the civic ruler of 345 burgesses ; the Lord Mayor of Green Island, a modest suburb of Young Reekie, covering an area of just 150 acres, and with a population of 700; the town of .South Dunedin is more pre tentious, but still much smaller than eithet of our simple Highway Districts of Parnell and Karangahape; its population is 2000. Throughout Otago every little town has its Corporation ; of which there are no less than fourteen, with from 200 to 900 in habitants, and six others, the population of which numbers over 1000. The Mayor of Parr ell, if that be the title chosen for the new Corporation, may take the flattering' unction to his soul that he would be the seventh Mayor in point of importance in New Zealand. It must be noted, how ever, that the ratepayers of the proposed confederation have displayed so Jittle appre ciation of the poetry and romance of good old.civic institutions, that something in the shape of practical advantage must be shewn in favour of the scheme. But under Acts of the last parliament this has been pressed into notice in rather a forcible way. By remaining districts of the County of Eden, properties are left in the not very enviable position of being liable to double taxation. The privileges of the County Council extend in this direction to one shilling in the pound, besides sundry special rates of a more or less ticklish character. By erecting themselves into a municipality, the highway districts escape these little obligations. The borough also becomes the recipient of all publicans' and other licenses, dog fees, &c., the slaughterhouse fees, and other provincial revenue collected within its boundaries, which would otherwise be the property of the County Council. Itloses, how ever, any share in the expenditure of the pound for pound subsidy payable to the County, and this appears to be all that is sacrificed as a set off against the largely increased revenue and local expenditure secured by the change. The advantages are so manifest that we have little doubt ; several of our suburbs, whether separately lor in combination, will prefer to "go it alone," rather than cast in their, fortunes with West Tamaki, Mount Wellington., the Wliau, and other unknown territories, with wants out of all proportion to their mone tary blessedness. The districts of Karanga liape andPonsonby areasfavourably situated for amalgamation as those east, of the city. Their populations, areas, and revenues, estimated on the same basis as those al ready given, would be : — ■§ I z | Sf J & :?. & & Ponsonby .. 680 1300 'M o 784. Karangahape.. 112 2600 335 .385 10 810 Totals .. VJ-i 3800 777 777 -H) ;.'■'■> I

If Newton Highway district were thrown in, the totals would be increased thus :

Newton.. .. 867 143 118 118 161 379 The licence fees, &c, are in addition. Should the suburban districts pursue the course suggested by these figures, the fate of Eden County will be a melancholy one. The subsidy to' the County is payable upon the amount of the general rate levied by it, or pound for pound on the gross sum received in rates by all the highway districts within its boundaries. The numerous suburban districts included in Eden gave that County probably the wealthiest county assessment list in the colony, but the creation of suburban municipalities would diminish its revenue nt least SO per cent, throwing some forty jjer cent of that amount into the Colonial Treasury. For the sake of the outlying districts' it may be most desirable that the suburbs shouid exercise a patriotic self denial, and remain an intrinsic part of the County. It will, however, be hard to bring them to see it in that light.

'We arc informed that the names of Messrs It. Browning, W. Philson, and J. Nolan jun., have been added to the list already published of those from whom the Selection Committee of the Match with the English Cricketers, will make their final ■hoiee. We also learn that the Committee

;iv(' made urrangments -with the trustees tliu Domain ground, by which one end of I c ground has been specially set apart for p, ictice for the above match, ami that 3 da \s of the week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Kr, lay), have been .selected as practice da\ .'

T. c excellent quality of the new coal, calle. the Kamo Mine, has been much spoke, i of. Tin.1 coal is sold by Mr. Joseph Craig < i Foil-street, at almost half the cost of Newcastle coals. The coal is good in appearance, and looks like Newcastle in some respects, ft burns longer, and throws out an intense heat. We are glad that such a coal lias been struck, and that ill these bad ti.nes, our own coal is coining out so good, and at a price which should soon shut out foreign competition. We think everyone should avail himself of the opportunity to patronise local industries and keep the money in the province.

A copy of a lengthy essay on New South Wales, the mother colony of the Australias, by G. H. Reid,, author of " Five Free Trade Essays," has been sent to us. The work is of a* standard character, containing very elaborate statistics, a panoramic view of Port Jackson, and an excellent map of New South Wales.

The Bishop of Auckland, Dr Cowie, returned yesterday from a visit to the northern portion of the province, in the Annie Milbank His Lordship, besides riding over more than 150 miles of rough bush country, has performed a number of .services as well in the localities through which he passed.

The members of the St. Patrick's Juve nile Drum and Fife Hand took a march last evening from Hobson-street to Newton and back, discoursing sweet music under the direction of Hand-master Kirbv. The voting musicians played well, and were in high spirits.

The long expected debate between the mutual improvement classes of Pitt-street and St. James's came oil' last evening in Bcrcsford-strcot Flail. The hall was numer ously attended, and the speeches were listened to with much attention. Rev Mr Wallace took the chair, and Mr East wood opened the debate in the affirmative ; Mr W. Gorrie opened in the negative. The Pitt-street speakers were Messrs Then. Cooper jun., K. Jcssop, T. H. Spicer, F. G. Ewington, George M. Main ; and those of St. James', Messrs J. C. Macky, J. M. Geddis, E. Burton, T. 11. Hanna, and E. Cooper. The debate was creditably carried on, and the various speakers had evidently come forward fully equipped for the question.

The vessels in port were gaily .decorated with flags to-day m honor of the marriage of Captain Stevenson, of the three masted schooner Loch Lee, to Miss Webster, who has lately arrived from England, which took place this morning.

The inquest 011 the Sliortland-street lire, which occurred on the 23rd ult., was held yesterday afternoon in the Insurance Build ings, before Dr. Philson, Coroner. Mr Henry Probert, Mr Herbert Hampton, Mr E. T. Dufaur, constable MeGilp, and Mrs Hampton, gave evidence, but no new light was thrown on the mystery of tlie ' origin of the lire', which it is believed wax the work of an incendiary. The following verdict was returned : —"That the premises of Mr l'robert were set on lire on the even ing of Thursday, the 2.3rd November last, but by whom there is no evidence to show." We have been at some trouble to work out the quantities of kauri gum in the London market on the Ist Octooer, 1875, and Ist October, 1870. It will at once show our readers that the quantity was very small, and as no arrivals are reported after that date, nor advices of any ship ments, the price of this article in the Lon don market is sure to advance. 1875. 1870. Stock on Ist January .. 803 tons. 773 tons. Landed in London. Ist Jan. to 30th Sept. .. 1,287 „ ],210 „ 2,095 „ 1,983 „ Delivered Jan.-to Sept.. 1,255 „ 1,392 „ 810 „ s'Jl „ Landed in September .. 182 ~ 77 ~ 1,322 „ 668 „ Delivered in September J3O „ 15)1 „ 1,192 „ 177 „ This will leave the quantity on Ist October, IS7(>, at 477 tons, against 1,192 in 1875. To the Editor : Sir, —-In reading in your paper of Thursday last, the proceedings of the City Council, I see Mr. Wilson applies for a subsidy for the water-carts. I should like to know his position Avith the Council, for last year he offered £5 per month, for the water-carts—and did he pay it ? and now he applies, with a full knowledge of that, for a subsidy of £3 12s, which is above half the cost of the water. —Yours &c, A CAR TER.

As the enquiry into the wreck of the Peerless was proceeding in the Police Court this morning, a Chancery-Lane fruit vendor took up his position under the Court win dow, and began to cry "strawberries," in tones of thunder, until the busi ness of the Court was stopped, and his Worship compelled to exclaim "pray, stop that man's mouth." The orderly and another Constable hurried out in obedience to the request of the Court, when the man reluctantly moved away and literally raved "strawberries" by the store of Messrs E. Porter and Co.

The funeral of the late Mr. Simpson avlio was drowned at Whangarei a fuw days ago, took place on Saturday, and was the most numerously attended of any ever held in that settlement. The body of Don has not yet been recovered. The verdict of the Coroner's jury was " accidentally drowned."

A gentleman was sitting on his horse at the door of the Northern Club yesterday when the horse yawed round, and gettin » his rider's foot m his mouth, gave it such ° jerk, that both horse and man rolledoovae a on to the pathway. Fortunately neithe was hurt. The bell-topper worn by the 1 gentleman was the greatest sufferer. The horse then trotted away down Waterloo Quadrant, but was caught near the Supreme Court.

The entertainment given at Onehnnga last night by Mr and Mrs Cotterell, and Mr Edward Lewis, attracted a numerous audience, who were highly pleased with-the' efforts of these accomplished performers, Mr Lewis was unaole to give his promised Magical Illusions, his apparatus being on board the Hero. To-morrow the company appear at Ponsonby Hall, and on Thursday at Otahuhu.

The regular monthly inspection of the Onehunga contingent of the Otahuhu. Rifles was held on Friday evening, at the One hunga block-house, when two officers and 26 men fell ill for drill. The head-quarters portion of the corps was held, by Major Gordon on Saturday evening. ■ The attend ance was a fair average one.

A very sad event occurred on board the Hero during her trip from Sydney this time. Among the passengers was a Mrs Lloyd, whose husband is the agent of the South British Insurance Company, in Brisbane, and whose parents are Mr and Mrs Butler, of Wangarei Heads. The poor lady has had bad health for some time, and took it into her head a few weeks ago that she should like to come and see her parents before she died. In vain were all attempts to dissuade her from her project, as it was feared that she would not survive the voy age. However, she made up her mind to come, and her husband bade her a sorrowful farewell when the steamer left Sydney. On board with Mrs Lloyd were her three children all under five years old. 'Ihe mournful anticipations of her friends were destined to be realized for, Mrs Lloyd died on Saturday morning last, and her body was committed'to the deep on the evening of the same day. The destitute little ones, who seemed quite unable to realize their loss, were taken charge of by a relative on the arrival of the steamer.

The monthly meeting of the Auckland Acclimatization Society was held at the Institute last evening. Mr Firth occupied the chair, supported by Messrs Barstow, Burtt, Swanson, Palmer, and Hughes. The business chiefly related to the salmon ova, which, the president stated, was in excellent condition. The society's agents in Sau Francisco had paid great attention to the ova, and great credit was due to them, as well as to Mr Oreighton, for what he had done in the matter. The chairman further .stated that the hatching of their ova was as successful as could be wished, but from some reason or other, a considerable number of the ova had been lost. The temperature was duly regulated, and did not, during the earlier part of the hatching process, exceed 65, which should have kept the fish in a healthy state. He hoped for more success, and that the mortality would not be so great in the future, llic subject of sparrows occupied the attention of the Council, and the discussion thereon was most interesting. A number of sparrows have been shot and examined for the purpose of ascertaining whether they were the- friends or foes of fanners and gardeners. The crops of three were filled with cracked maize, wheat, and grass seed, while others were filled with catterpillars and small insects. Mr Burtt submitted that the test was not a fair one, as the birds had been shot in town. Mr Hughes sug gested that birds should be shot in the country. Mr Swanson contended that the test should be in force for a year. Mr Palmer was of opinion that sparrows did more good than harm. The chairman agreed with Mr Palmer, the old adage " Give a d<»g a bad name and hang him," applied to sparrows. Other birds, starlings, etc., then engaged the attention of the Council. Mr IJiirstow complained that there were bo few Mowers in the Society's gardens. Tlic monthly accounts were passed, and the meeting separated.

The Ist Eleven match of West End v. Oarlton Cricket Club was drawn. The 2nd Eleven match resulted in a defeat for West End.

Signor Raphael and family, gymnasts, sprites, trapezists, contortionists, and rope nerformers, were passengers by the Hero from Melbourne, where they fulfilled an engagement in the Theatre Royal.

The members of the Choral Society com mence the practice of Handel's "Messiah" this evening. Because of the Festival fari ing on a Monday this year, Friday, the •221b inst. is, we believe, the day fixed for the performance.

When the Hero arrives next month, aboul the lth January, Captain Logan will give the usual quarterly trip to the- charity children. Ihc public will be taken at a price to be fixed, the proceeds being divided between the charities.

MEETING OF THE PRESBYTERY.

A pro re uata meeting of the Presbytery was held this morning in St. Andrew's Church. J'resent : Rev. R. F. Macnicol (Moderator), Revs. George Brown (Clerk), David Bruec, J. Macky, S. J. Neill, T. Scott, W. Meßae, T. Norrie, R. Sommerville, J. Wallace, R. McKinney. Members of Assembly : Revs. W. Ross, Sliirriffs, Patterson, and Sidey. The Moderator said the business for which he had convened the meeting was to consider a call to the Rev. Win. Mcßae from Tasmania.

The Rev. Mr. Bruce introduced the Rev. Mr. Hay. The Moderator welcomed Mr. Hay, and requested him to take his place in the Court.

The Rev. Mr. Bruce said as several gentle men who hadjeome up for the General Assembly would no doubt be coming in during their meeting, he proposal that the Moderator should request all to take part in their delibera tions. This was carried unanimously. The Clerk then read the call which was from Hagley and Deloraine, and was signed by 131 names. The Clerk also read the extract minute from the Presbytery of Tasmania. A stipend of per annum was guaranteed to Mr. Mcßae, in addition to house rent or a manse. The Moderator asked Mr. Mcßae if he had any statement to make in relation to the call. The Rev. Mr. Mcßae said he'only had to state that he had given no encouragement to the call, but had rather discouraged it. . In his recent visit to Tasmania he had preached at Hagley and Deloraine, and a deputation had waited on him to ask him if he would, entertain a call. At that time he had told the deputation they had better not risk the loss of time in making the call to him, but had better call someone who could give them more confident hopes of its being entertained. He had heard nothing further of the matter till he received the call. As it had come so unsolicited he felt that it would be better to let it run its course.

Mr. Brown said he concluded from what Mr. Mcßae had said that he was npt prepared to say at once whether he was prepared to accept the call.

The Rev J. Macky moved, ' That the congre gation of Waipu be advertised of the call, and be requested to appear for their interest at the next ordinary meeting of the Presbytery, on the 10th January." He would include in his motion " That the Rev MoXiccol be requested to give notice to Mr Mcßae's congregation on Sunday week next." ~,,„' <§The motion was agreed to, Mr Mcßae under taking to occupy Mr McMccol's .pulpit on the occasion of that gentleman's absence at Waipu. The Elders commissions for the General As sorably hading bpeu received the meeting closed with prayer. Aiter the meeting, the Rev Mr Sommerville brought before the gentlemen assembled an application the Whan Committee had received for a lease of a portion of the church land which had up to the present been left in a state of nature.

The Committee were of opinion that it would be wise to grant the application, and he had accordingly Drought the matter forward now to ask if those present would be willing to autho rise the application being aceded to at the next ordinary meeting. On the matter being put to the meeting, a favourable opinion was expressed. The gentlemen present remained for some time longer, and some business was transacted preliminary to the opening of , the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, which is inaugurated this evening at the same place.

SINGULAR, ACCIDENT. _ A MAN SENT THROUGH A WINDOW.

Ax accident of a peculiar but very unpleasant character occurred to a middle-aged man named John Black,| at about half-past five o'clock this lAornirig. lie is employed in the kitchen at the Bine Posts Dining-Rooms, Queen-street, and last night Mr Powell, the landlord, instructed him to clean the front of the house this morning. Black procured a ladder which was rather . too . Jong for, the . -purpose- and having placed it against the house, ascended it to,carryouthisjob. •Ineeßusfequenceof its length the fobt'Of tlieiladder had to be carried out close to the edge of the pavement, causing it to rest at a dangerous angle. While the man was on the ladder, the end slipped out into the road, ana the other end went crash through the dining room window,* precipitating the unfortunate man through the splintering glass into the room. In endeavouring to save himself. Black sustained some very severe lacerations of the right wrist and hand, and on being taken, up was found to be bleeding profusely. He was hurried over to Mr. King's, the Chemist, and thence to Mr. Sydney Smith, Surgeon, who bound up the wounds, and otherwise attended to his iniuries. Black was weak from loss of blood, and will not be able to get about for some days.

WOOL SALE.

Mr Alfred Buckland held his second wool-sale of the season this afternoon, consisting of 600 bales, principally washed. The sale was well attended. We give the average figures as nearly as possible up to the time of going to press. Long wool in grease, 7d to 1/1; hah 0 bred do., 7\d to 8d; locks and pieces, 4i}d. The washed sale was proceeding. Tho principal buyers were Messrs Ireland Bros., Messrs Gittos, Browing, Sutherland, Osbornc and Potter.

"DAVID GARRICK."

Such was the title of the comedy of last evening at the Theatre Royal. It was written by the noted play-wright Robertson, the rival of loin Taylor, and professes to picture the love of the. great actor with Ada, the daughter of a nch east Indian merchant. The two principal char acters were assumed by Mr Lingard and Miss Alice Dunning Lingard, whose excellent dehn<> ations of the peculiarities of the hero and heroine of the play were admirably executed. The audience frequently expressed wordless delight as the various shadow** of the pjist flitted before them, and left 1 hem to judge of the nearness of the comedy to I'he rreat original who wonted such a revolution in public taste in the days of Pitt, and Fox, oJ Johnson, and Burke, and Gold smith. A lit Ho fu'-'-e of a butterfly character, succeeded, entitled "Elizabeth," in which the whole company vior- respective parts, brought the evening tob olo1 . The orchestra, conducted by Mr Cope, virJin-.it, performed a number of sweet and Hpp.op'ate selections during the evening, wlii.'-r ('icited deserved applause. Play goers WiU V'jpi -t to hear that the Lingards will appear foi' th-; last time at the Theatre I loyal this eve ling, when the sensational adaptation of Mi W braddon's novel of " Lady Audley's Secret" will be represented: As a parting souvenir every lady in the dress cirfcle and stalls will receive a portrait of Miss Alice Dunning in her favourite character of " Mary Melrose.'f The " Weavers," i Lingard commed ictta. wiil brinjf the entertainment to a close.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

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

VAGRANCY,

Mary Brown was again brought.up under the Vagrancy Act Prisoner said she could not work so wpll as she used to work ; she had a bad arm ; she would go into a situation.

Sub-Inspector Pardy said the woman might have a situation if she would behahe herrelf ; she had a place at Papatoitoi, l(ut tlie parties could not keep her, on account of her besetting sin.

His Worship said llic ten months 5n giiol had not reformed her, but he would give her one more trial. Discharged.

THE JUVENILE THIEF.

Vntliony McCJuire, a boy of 12 years, was ag;iin broughtupfor feloniously entering the dwelling house of Mrs Tombes, and stealing therefrom goods to the amount of £1 ]4s fid. :

Sub-Inspector Pardy said he had com municated with Capt. Breton, of the Training School, and he was willing to try the boy.

His Worship then ordered the boy to be sent to the Training School for three years to be brought up in the Catholic faith.

V SAVAGE DOr;

Henry'Rcvcll, was summoned to answ.ei for the conduct of his dog, " Cres.'UJ,' described as a " savnge brute," which hail bitten a person in the locality. >

Mr Kissling appeared for the prosecution and Mr Thome for the defence.

Mr Thome said the do# did the injury, but the complainant had no business on defendant's premises. lie should like the Court to accept evidence before giviijg judgment.

Mr Risaling said that his client was pars ing homeward across the reclamation works, where the dog was fixed to guard defendant's wood., wkou lie was suddenly attacked, but if Mr Thome would plead guilty the Court no doubt would deal leni ently with the case, especially as the db;j was dead. Mr. Thornc said he would submit to ; nominal penalty.

His Worship said as defendant had hcjit the dog, and nearly or quite killed him, he had to ji great extent, taken the law into his own hands.

Fined Is, and 13s Coiut costs This was all the business.

SPORTING NOTES.

Mil. WALTERS, with his (cam of racehorse? left Port Chalmers for Auckland in the s.s. Wei lincrlon yesterday.

Mr. R.Ray, with his team for the Auckland Meet ing, consisting of Tommy T)odd. Middlcton, and Danebury, is expected by the Taupo to-mor row. The, horses will be located at. Ellerslie Hotel stables dnriiiif their stay here. Mr Ray pur chased Middlcton from Mr. Webb after tlie colt had won the Metropolitan Handicap and the Maiden Plato nt OhrisU-hurch, for 000 guineas.

Mr. Redwood him sold Amohia, last year's favourite for the Dunedin Cup, to Mr Stead as a brood mare for 200 guineas, Mr. Redwood's Marora is reported as as a rod in pickle for the Dunedin Cup. The horse is spoken of as the best colt in the Colony, and his weight in the Cup is 7st. lth. He was entered for the Auckland Cup, and had only Ost. 12ms. to carry, h--t his owner has withdrawn him, no doubt with a view to the great Southern race.

A first-class programme of sports is advertised in connection with the Foresters Fete at Ellers lic Gardens on the 26th inst. The half-mjlc handicap is the. principal race, the first prize being a purse of eight sovereigns, with a sweep of half-a-sovcreign each for acceptors, and the second prize £.2. There is a. race for Foresters only, another open to all Friendly Societies, and a quarter mile race for members of Football, Rowing, and Cricket Clubs only.

The folks at Henderson's Mill are stirring themselves to great preparations for a race meeting to be hold in the district at Christmas time. The programme will be published in a few days, a meeting having been called for arranging the same.

Messrs. Thomas Henderson, junior, and C. Dacrc are to represent the Auckland Rowing Club in the pair-oar race at the Nelson Regatta. There is some probability of the White crew going from Mercury Bay to take part in the Champion Four-oared Race. We understand that the createst obstacle to their going is the ex pense, which should not be allowed to prevent them competing. The prize is £150, and as they have a splendid Salter cutter to row in, some friends should be forthcoming to help them with the necessary funds, and thus give them the chance of crediting Auckland with this handsome prize.

SOIREE AT THE LAKE.

The Lake School-room, on tho occasion of the soiree, was cr^wdcs) iast evening, chiefly by vocalists and citizens of Auckland. The room was pleasantly de<-ci*ated with flowers a;id ever greens, and thr- tea-fables woro furnished by "Airs Menary, Mrs. Seaman, and the Misses Me May. A liberal supply of strawberries of n fine descrip tion were sent by MV. Alexander Wilson, fresh from his well cultivated Hardens. Rev. Peter Mason occupied itjo chah\ and introduced the business of the evening in a few remarks. He said the soiree had been held with the view of promoting a "greater interest in Sabbath services, but that there were other ends to bo attained by such meetings: they promoted a neighbourly reeling among' those residing in the same dis trict, and they tended to promote ti feeling of Christian sympathy ! among those associated together in the worship of God. Each one con nected'with'a congregation should feel that all the others in the congregation were his friends, that none of them would an unkind word of him, but would be ready to do him a kind act

whenever circumstances called for it. The programme included " Tancredi" by Mr. and Sites Brook; song, "My Pretly Jane," by Mr. Brook; song, "Belle Mahone," by Mies McKav; recitation, ''The Bridal Wine Clip," by Mfss Agnes Carr; song, "Simon, «he Odlarer, by■ Mr. Gradwell; song, "Love Not, by Miss Brook; duet, " The Wind and the Harp," by Mr. H. O. Brown and Miss jVlason ; song, Sally in our Alley," by Mr. Burnhani; sung, me Hungry Man," by Mr. Davis; song, " Happy are my Dreams," by Mr. McCoakne ; song, "Happy be thy Dreams,-" by Mr: McCoskrie; song, JIII meet Thee in tho Lane, Love," by Mr. Owen, trio, Messrs Brook and Miss Brook. The Rev. Mr. Bates, of Trinity Church, delivered * most interesting address on the.importance of bunday services, and spoke of soirees as a means of producing mutual sympathy in the work which they sought, to aid and advance. # He also apologised for the absence of some of his young people. Votes of thanka were given to the ohairman, performers, and ladies, and the meet ing closed in harmony.

LICENSING COURT.

(Before R. C. Barstow Esq. R.M., Messrs G. M. Mitford, Joseph-May, and F. L. Prime, Justice of the Peace ; Mr Lodge, clerk of the Court.) Mr Broham conducted on the part of the police, and Messrs Hesketh, Kissling, Dufaur, and George solicitors, represented the applicants.

TRANSFERS

Mr Hesketh, on the part cr Mr Lang bridge, of the " Cottage of Content," asked that the name of the house might be changed at the request of the lessee form the Cottage of Content, to that of the "Garrick. Mr Langbridge was comparatively speaking a new man.and has he had restored the hotel at great expense, and added seven rooms, he was also desirous of making his hotel a new one ; he desired the change. The Court: Mr Langbridge is not content, it appears, in a " Cottage of Content."' Mr Hesketh : No, he aspires to some thiii" higher, in a dramatic or literary sense. Mr £angbridge has had large experience in dramatic associations, and entertains a pro found reverence for David Garriok —

The marvellous actor -whose immortal name Is green with memories in the world of fame. The Court regretted that it bad not the power to comply with Mr Langbridge'a modest request ; the change could only be made at the annual Licensing Court. The same answer was. given to Mr Kissling, on the part of Mr Campbell, of the " Alexandra Hotel," who desired an exten sion of time from 10 till 12 p.m. Mr Broham reported that the hotels in Auckland were, without a single exception, found to be well conducted. He had no complaint to make. The list of applications for transfers as published in the Star last week were granted.

Total "Wreck of the s.s. Otago.

Qxqw aa& Passengers Saved.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)

DUNEDIN, this day, 9.30 a.m. The s.s. Otago, Captain Calder, is ashore at Chastland's Mistake.

The crew and passengers are all saved.

The Otago is a total wreck. HER PASSAGE AND DESTINATION

The Otago, on her present trip, was in command of Captain Calder. She^ left Sydney on the 23rd November, with Bfshop Moran and 79 other passengers on board, and arrived at Hokitika on the 28th, leaving for Wellington on the 29th. Having called in at Nelson, Wellington, Lyttelton, and Port Chalmers, the Otago was on her way to the Bluff, en route for Melbourne, when she struck on Chastland's Mistake. HER DESCRIPTION. The Otago was an iron screw steamer of 150 horse power, 977 tons gross, and 642 nett, registered tonnage. Her registered dimen sions were as follows : length 236 feet, breadth, 26ft7 ins., depth, 15ft Sins. She was built at Glasgow in 1863, and registered in Melbourne in 1873. She was owned by Messrs McMeckan, Blackwood and Co. The Otago visited your port several years ago, making a very fast trip from Sydney. SITE OF THE WRECK. Chastland's Mistake is about midway between the Molyneux and Invercargil, between Tantuku Bay, and Brother's Point. The Surat, a ]000 ton immigrant ship, under Captain E. .1. Johnson, with 270 immi grants, was wrecked at the same place oil December 31st, 1873. Chastland's Mistake is a submerged rock, ten miles north of the Dog Light, on Dog Island. Chastland's Mistake is S. W. by W., 10 miles from Long Point. On the occasion of the -wreck of the Surat, she was beached at Catlin's River, the force of 'the shock carrying her right over the rock. The Otago does not ap pear to have escaped so fortunately. In consequence of the insurances on the Otago having been effected in Melbourne we are unable to give a list of them at present. We believe it will be found that almost all the marine offices have been hit as it is usual to distribute the risks on a vessel of the Otago's value which was declared to be £22,500. The only amounts of insurances we can give for certain are the following :— New Zealand, £1000 South British, £1000 National, £500 Batavia, £150 (on cargo) THE CAPTAIN'S TELEGRAM. The following is the information re wreck of the Otago, from Captain Calder to the Bluff agent of the steamer : •'Edendale, 4th December.-—The Otago is ashore at Chasland's Mistake. The crew and passengers are all saved. Send immediate assistance. She is a total wreck. Let the first passer-by call at Waikawa for first officer and a boat's crew."

The Express left at 12.45.

[press agency]

The steamship Otago went ashore during the night, at Chastland's Mistake, on the. way from Port Chalmers to Melbourne, via the Bluff. She is a total wreck. The crew and passengers were saved. Further particulars shortly.

THE WRECK OF THE PEERLESS.

(Before R. C. Barstow Esq., R.M., and Captain Worsp, Nautical Assessor). The enquiry into the wreck of the schooner Peerless' at Suwarrow, on the 2nd August, was commenced at 10 30.

Mr Brookflcld appeared for Mr Hill, on the part of H.M., Customs. Richard Mitcalf, master of the schooner Peerless,' was examined. He held a home certi ficate, of competency from the Liverpool Board of Trade (12477). He left Auckland on the Bth July last. The last island he was at, prior to the wreck, was at Palmerston Island ;he left there on the Monday, the 30th July, and was wrecked on the following "Wednesday. The distance from Palmerston to Suwarrow is about 300 miles. At four o'clock when she stranded, he was steering north; there was an unsteady breeze eastward rather squally; c^se reef sails; going at 12 or 13 knots; she was a fast boat and easily worked lie shortened sails on the previous evening, so that land snould not be sighted before daylight- he calculated at i o'clock, and found they were 25 miles from Suwarrow; she struck shortly after fi re ; she ran 135 miles in 7 hours. The log-book was lost m the wrouk, or at least a part of it ij.e had never been to the island before. His chart was published in 1375. A few minutes niter four he left the deck in charge of the chief olhcer, and David Ramsey on watch. He gave due instructions, lie would have remained on deck had he thought they tvere so near the land pr that the mate would have gone below tolipht his pipe. He had been on deck from -midnight up to lour o'clock. He had been below about an hour when the ship struck, but he was not' asleep. Ihe man, Ramsey put his head in the cabin-door, and in a whisper asked him to come up, but he had no suspicion that anything W(\s wrong. Did not hear the mate call out for all hands; it he had, he must have heard him Ho went up at once, and found all hands on deck. A 1'® breakers were then on the leesidc, about ten yams oft. She was motionless in the water ne could, not steer her, she went broadside on George Henderson, a passenger or., board tho Peerless, had some knowledge of sea liie. He expected that the vessel would sooner or later :

be " piled up." He had this impression at Tonga from the way in which she was managed. This witness then detailed the circumstances up to the time of the wreck. He heard a rumhung noise on the morning of the wreck; he •«* .j> B first person to call attention to the bus' {'s, when the mate replied "where, whei T : xni then he shouted " call the old man," (the captain) Ramsey went to do so. He could not say how long Mr Nicholhad been from the deck, perhaps five minutes. He was taking his coffee. The -wreck then took place. The captain and all hands were quite sober. (Adjourned for half an hour). John Nichol, the mate, David Ramsey, able aearuan, and Alfred Bignold having given evidence, the Court decided that the loss of the schooner 'Peerless' vras caused through neglegence of the mate, John Nichol, and they ordered his certificate to be concerted, the Court -were also of opinion that the master, Richard Mitcalf, had not exercised that care and fore thought which he should have exercised as com mander of the vessel.

THE WAIWERA SPRINGS.

(FROM OUE SPECIAL REPORTER.)

WAIWERA, Dec. 4th

It is four years since I visited the "Wai wera Springs, and my subsequent ideas of the progress of the place have been princi pally derived from pigeongrams and articles published in the STAR. I certainly ex pected to find the place considerably improved, but I had not the remotest idea of the wonderful changes that have taken place at Waiwera since my former visit. ' In fact, the energy and enterprise of Mr. R. Graham has completely metamorphosed the place, which from the sombre look it formerly wore, has been changed with the rapidity of magic into a picturesque, fairy like scene, where the student, the traveller the invalid, the lover, the poet, and the con templatoi\of nature can alike find attractions, which are not offered by any other place possessing the same accessibility from Auckland. The expenditure upon the place, in order to produce the remarkable improvements which meet the e\e, since I last visited it, must be enormous. When I was here four years' ago the baths were of a very primitive al fresco description, on the sands, with small coverings, and one place of limited dimensions boarded in for ladies and gentleman. Now there are some 20 bath-rooms for gentlemen, and a swimming bath 30 feet long by 5 feet iv depth. Half an hour in this bath is a luxury which must be experienced to be properly understood, and a short season at the baths will rejuvenate e"ven the most shattered constitution. In fact, some of those who have benefitted from a sojourn here, go BO far in their enthusiasm as to say that these baths will do what madam Rachel professed to accomplish, by render ing the bather "beautiful for ever." It must be baths similar to these that the ancients dreamed of, for already an approach to the elixir of life has been found in the famous aerated water. But to resume, for I fear I am in danger of being carried away by my theme, a cold shower apparatus is fixed in each bath room. Adjoining the building set apart for gentlemen is another appropriated to the use of ladies, which contains half a dozen apartments. It may be mentioned that amongst the many ladies who have recently visited this place, is the lion Mrs Whitaker, and some of the visitors here tell me that though, when she arrived here a fortnight since, she was in a very weak state of health, she now returns completely restored, and speaks in the highest terms of the Springs. Mr Meek is in charge of the baths, and the visitors universally speak in high terms of his attentiveness and courtesy.,, I feel that I should do an injustice to the place where I to overlook " Love's Retreat,' a place which nature and art have vied with each other in preparing to charm and delight the sentimental lover. If any of your Auckland maidens experience difficulty in bringing young men to the point, tliey could easily bring matters to a satisfactory issue by meeting the bashful one here, where amidst this lovely scenery, the dullest and most prosaic soul would find iitterance in sentimental words amidst these delightful scenes.' Immediately below this spot, Mr. Graham has started the manufacture of aerated mineral waters, which he will shortly be iv a position to ' export to Sydney, and other Australian Colonies, as well as to the Southern provin ces. The first shipment will be sent by the Hero, and I believe that enough orders are on hand from fanner visitors, to keep the manufacturers at work for some time. At present Mr Graham has excellent ac commodation for at least 100 visitors, but so sooji as the fine hotel now in course of erection shall have been completed I shall not be surprised to find two or three hundred visitors here at one time. The building will be completed about Christinas. It is a three-story structure facing the sea, and only a few yards from the sands. The hotel will contain accommodation which is rarely to be met with in the colonies. The dining room is double the size of the largest in Auckland. The sitting rooms are large and spacious, there are splendid suites of apartments for families, and about 50 * ingle bedrooms. A spacious billiard room is attached, and one of the best billiard tables obtainable will be received here this week, so that to any of the visi tors who may desire to enjoy the fine old game under the most favorable circum stances, the opportunity will be offered. Formerly there used to be a large swamp at the rear of the hotel, but during the past twelve months this lias been converted into a beautiful garden, which yields an abundant supply of splendid vegetables and f rait for the ho tel. After the luxuries of the bath the visitor can regale himself on straw berries and cream. Air Graham has im ported a couple of Chinamen to lay off and I work the gardens, and it is astonishing what ] has been achieved by these industrious hor ticultural and iioricultural Celestials, and in so short a time too. There are severalpic turesque summer-houses and arbors in re tired parts of the gardens for the amatory. Miss Graham is the most indefatigable and attentive of any Hostess I have ever met. She has that charming biisiness-like air about her, coupled with solicitude for the comfort'of every visitor, that renders her a genuine favorite with all. She has the whole house under her eye, and her manage ment of the servants, the general arrange ments of the household, and the cuisine are simply inimitable. Let not the gourmand fear that lie willmisshis accustomed luxeries here. Every wantof themost delicate palate is supplied here, and the four quarters of the globe send their contributions of the richest and the best to this splendidly, managed sanatorium. The lovers of piscatorial pursuits can be accommodated close to the Springs. There are oyster beds close to the hotel, and those who are fond of aquatic exercises can obtain a boat with a splendid pull up the river amidst picturesque scenery. To those who prefer equestrian performances, there is a fine ride to the Maori settlement, where the aboriginal may be seen iv his pristine state, to the German settlement with its scenes of industry and thrift, or the picturesque caves and other scenes of interest. On the whole I would say that there is no place like this for an "outing within such easy accessibility, no place where an outing"can be edjoved at such reasonable expense, few, if any, places where the comfort and convenience are so great, and certainly none so beneficial o the infirm and sick. 1 One of the novelties to be seen here is the hatching of chickens by the hot water process, by placing the eggs in t'msdfiM ni at the end of the bath. ■^a7 Mr Graham has invited the All*lv^"nd Eleven to visit the place, and as mi is an excellent cricket ground, I think i& good team should be got up to play a match here.

Letters from the Australian colonies and Southern provinces state that large nnm-

THE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1876



TIUENITURE ARCADE 8S- CARPETS ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! m FURNITURE ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE m BEDDING ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE m FLOOR CLOTHS! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! 43- DRESS GOODS ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE ! m MILLINERY ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CIT V HALL ARCADE! US' MEN'S CLOTHING ! FOR THE PEOPLE ! CITY HALL ARCADE! m 1 BOYS' CLOTHING ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! Grandest Display of Goods, and Greatest Variety, at the '©■CITY HALLIS DRAPERY AND FURNITURE ARCADE. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c. R. Cranweix, Manager of Furniture Department. J COSGRAVE&CO. Beg to announce they will bring forward on MONDAY NEXT, 27th NOVEMBER, A Fresh Lot of B A R G A I N S! ! ! Consisting of THEIR LATE SHIPMENT BY THE ORARI, Purchased at Home at Job Prices, together with the whole of their SUMMER DRAPERY & CLOTHING, REDUCED IN PRICE TO SUIT THE TIMES! Several Bales of CALICO, damaged by sea -water, will be Sold under Invoice Price. tt^ R A T T R A V WILL SELL TO-MORROW, IN HIS CLEARING SALE :— LADIES' SILK GRENADINE POLONAISES at 7s. 61. worth 355. A Lot of LACE SHAWLS, damaged, at ss. Seven-and-SLxpenny CRINOLINS at Is. TUSSOIRE SILKS, all Pure Silk, at 2s. 6d. per yard. i W. RATT BA V, jSS, QtTfiKN-STREET. :■ v uXIIUkJa. JfiTßlfltUßJ£! ■..<<.i<;--i <■-■■■ i Gentlemen about to. Furnish are raped fill 1!/ Tcqx'.esUrf to inspect UteLcirye Slock of DRAWING- ROOM, DINIXG-- RO'IM BEDROOM, AUD GENhRAL ■ IiOUSJShOLD FURNITURE, In our Ntv.: and S^aciotis Shoiorooms T. & IL COQKE, <>r QUHEVBI'titSET Adjoi/nAng Bank of Sew Zcalan i ] j Gh&ap -Brapery.



Clot Mag O: I'! Carpets, &c.> at 'V*w^i' "W. Rattray's. A- (.-' Sale,