SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

feftemoon, 7 21; to-mor?ow fflornic^. -7^B Strw BET-Thta evanlng, 642 BUN RI3K-10 ---ai2Sww naornlng, 5 46 KOOJTS AGE-Now Moon, 25th, 6 pm

ARRIVALS.

««F-"a, ketoh, from the Thames fcetftj cutter, from Waihefce

DEPARTURES.

,v«ene .Brandon, schooner for Wangaroa < l lematis, ketch, for Russell ; JClslnore. schooner, for Russell iMcLeod, schooner, Sloane, for Toigatabtt

EXPORTS.

fer .Go-ahead—4 t'UDdies iron, 12 camp ovens, 1 'oox tin, 1 c»se chimneys, 1 bundle handles, 1 case Jumps, ?00 casks cpjnpnt, T. and S. Morrin. Per City of Auckland, for London: 9bales wool, C. Stone

Per City of Aucklan*, for London • 40 bales wool, 3SOO cases kauri frnni, Henderson and Macfarlane. Per City of Auckland, for London: 7 caseß mer chandise. T. and s Motrin. Per City of Auckland, for London: 231 bales wool, 6(! bales leather, 3 packages, Ireland Brothers. Per City o f Auckland for London : 143 bales wool. 116 cases pearl shell. GGO cises kauri Rum, 490 bags copra, 32 casbg ta'low—Owen and Grahnm. Per City of a uckl»nd for London : 170 tons mixed minerals, 1180 baleß wool, 4 bsl^s tai'orß cut'ings, 1 case leather, 125 sucks coal. 2 bales hair 16 bales cotton, no casVa tallow, 53 bags shank-bonps, 3 trunks mercharfli-e 5 hues wool, 13 pkrs ffferts, 11 canes merchandize. I*2o cnses kauri gum, s.bogs do, ". OaBHS sing 1 cilse drupa, 1 cace pUtits, 58 pkgs zinc, 2 casps curios 5 pkes mnrchnndize, 55 b»les 1 eather, 3; c cases pparl shell, 490 bags copra-Cruick shank Co> agen ts.

The barque William Ackers has been chartered to load coals nt Newcastle for this port. She may be «xpectefl sbortlv The s.s Phfebe is advertised to leave.the Onehunga Wharf for the Pouth nt a quarter p»st ten o'clock t" inorrnw morning. The -9 35 t>ain is the latest by which passengers can arrive in ti^ie. The clipper schooner Favourite is advertised to sail for New Caledonia on Saturday at noon. Captain Bnrns, of the bnrqtic Ardvar. gives noMo" that he will not be responsible for any debts incurred by his crew The clipper schooner Fairly i 8 advertised for freight or charter ■ ~.- ■ ; The burqne Lake, Superior Is for sale. The Jrfitch Pearl nag commenced loading for another pe»rl-fi.«hir.g expedition. . She has been .thoroughly: re-f»stened n Y A f\ re-coppered and severally overhauled! by Mr T). Oonk, who, to carry out his work without docking <; ne vessel, had her rove down. She hnow' us fou'dd aa w hen she was built in Bremen over ten year*, ago . -<lie s s Minnie Casey having Pafele reached her des tination, will taVe up the trada of the Lily in the ■JKaipara without delay. Notice is siven by tho agents of the ship City of' Auckland that passengers muM; have their luggage; Tflsdy *o ba taknn o* 1 board at the North Shore ferry T at ten o'ccloe.k on Monday morning, when a steamer wiU leave the wharf for the vesael. The new Wnngarei st»>>mer Argyle, built by Messrs M'Ca'lnm and TVTcQnarri', rhavlrg completed her machinery at the h«nds of Me.s»rs Fr*«er and Tirnn, •nnderwerit an engineer's Mai in the harbour ye ter day. Tlia result was most satisfactory, giving an aveTaee speed with andapninst the tide of 8| knots. The engines worked better than is generally the case in a first trip, ar>cl a maximum of 147 revolution* per minute was attained The new steamer is about 100 tons register.and hoi cabin accommndation nearly eqnal to Ih».t of tlie lona, so that the will prove a great a«ini-.)uon to the settlement of Wangarei. The official irlal trip will tiko place on Monday afternoon, and at six o'clock the hrat will leave on her first trip The schooner CpTinet hauled away into the «tream this morning to b'° in readiness to sail for the Islands the first opportunity. t&wvz

The schooner Annie M>T.eod left this morning for Tonpatnbn with a leading: cargo. "Wears irnt likely to s«e this smsTt litsle pchocer bank hwe-fT dome time, as she has been sold to Messrs Kuge, Hederuas and Co. of "arnoa.

Thn ketch Adah, brings 3O.t)0O fe°t timber from the Shortland Saw Mills, for Messrs Sto-.e Bro?.

The schooner Fortune, h»s cleared out in balhst for Cabbage Bay, And tha schonne? Onward for Russell. The cctter Leo, biings 60 tons of manganese from Walheke.

' The barque signalled yesterday was still outside the Reef at high water this morning, and Iwd not made the harbour when we: went to1 press this afternoon.

COMMERCIAL.

At Mr. Orpenwo'"d'!' mirkek S'le to-day gsepe rea lised 3' Pd to 3« 9rt : tuik»ys 3* 6tl t0.65.6d;; fowls, 2s to 2s 9d ; chicks. Is to Is 91; ca&aries, 5s ; pigeons 6l to 10s a par ; dotrs, ssto 20s.

Mr. R *rthnr anjd to-r'ny, pn'a'oes. 2s 31 to 45.: onions, Mtold ; apples 2' to 3d; prats. 2d toS^d; cheese. 4^fl tn 7:^ : marmalade Hurl j^ms, 6d to 7rl Mr. L W Faton heW a Wetp s»le of bananas and fruit to-^ay. B»n»na« f-tched 2sd to 3d per bunch; apples 2Ad, and plum* 4d Messrs.'PochTaT'e and Sons held thftir ordinary Fri dpy'a furniture sale, consisting of articles of domestic use, and fair average prices were realised.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

Me. Alprtd Buok'And'r Wteklt Kepobt,— At Eetnuera, on Thnrßday, dairy c^ws ware fn larg»r DUmberß than for many week". They were in leanest, at late valups. Store cattle plentiful, and lower in price fully 10s tier head. Vnt cattlo in usu*! numbers. Fifty he«d tienned. but gcnera'ly o' Inferior quality. "Wflll-fattfl^ steers were at sliehtlv higher values, but mfidinm quality Hcaioly maintained previou« prices. , Store shepp of An inferior descrip tion plentiful, with a steady demand at full values Fat sheep in limited numbers, and lower in price Is etch. Lambs abundant; those well-fatted brought good pries ;—if in lew condition scircelv saleable. Pnices eiven wpr«—Pairy enws, at profit, £8 to £U 7.i 6d ; backward sprineers, £6 1o £8 ; calvus. 25i to 40s : coarse two-jea^-olds, mixe'' seies. £2 to £3 10?; bred twn-yeai-old«. £4 to £5 ; dry cow! 1, £2 17s S'l to £3 lfis; b»st quality fat cattle. 27s 6d to 32s 6d; inferior from 23s th« 100 lbi ; ewes in low condition from 6s 6d to 15a ; infeiior lambs, 3s 01 to 7s; best lambs, 83 6d to 14s each ; wethers, 2Jd ; ewes, 2Jd pwlb.

PThe survey of the Kawakawa railroad'from the mine to deep water has been com pleted by Mr E'rinst'on, but the arrange ments for commencing it by the General Government are not finally made.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE. AUCKLAND

Mails wim, Ci.oaß as t-om.o-ws: — For Thames this day at 5 30 pm Tor Taranaki, 'Southern ports, and Ju'tralian Colonies, per Phcebe, on Saturday next, at 8.15 am Jor Waiwera. Mahurangi Matakana. Te Arai, etc,

per Annie Milbsnk. on Saturday at 10 am For Aitutakt on Saturday at 4 30 pm Tor Napier and Southern provinces, per Granada,

four hours after arrival For GisDorne and Napier, petf Pretty Jane, on Mon-

day next at 3 p m S*or rorrmindfil on Voiday atll am >'-' '; ; i Tor Lemki, Fiji, p«r Llewellyn, on Toeaday at 11 am' N.B.—Post-offices h»"e been estaM'^hed at Ajrnfu | MoDgonui district, and Katihuti,,Pay of Plenty;. • j (Signed) • ' ■"<*. B. BI3S, Chief Postmaster. \

BIRTH.

IBBET3ON—On the 21st instant, at Leebank, River head, the wife 6. K. H. Ibbetson, Esq., Station Master, Helensville, of a son.

DEATH.

COLDICUTT—On February 25, James, youngest son of the late Mr; William Ooldicutt, of Epsom, aged 34 years.

The funeral will leave his late residence, Seafleld View, for Epaom Church, to-morrow (Saturday), at 2 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 18768

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance. For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

The simultaneous, condemnation of -Govern ment land purchases by two: ministerial organs is tolerably conclusive testimony, in suppoft of bur remarks on the subject. Thej Cross this morning refers to the failure of; the! Government in their efforts to purchase the; Hot Lakes and adjacent country while the: natives are willing to re-open negotiations! with the private speculators who had. nearly completed the purchase, when compelled to! desist by the proclamation of the preemp tive right over the whole of the Eotorua| lands. The Cross likewise, refers to the in-j justice inflicted upon* Messrs , Dalfcon and; Baron De Thierry under the. circumstances; related in the Stab a few weeks agd. The. Waikato Times is still mqre severe in its1 strictures, and says'•:—"A sum of about £30,000 has been expended by the Native Land Commissioners in the purchase of lands in the Hot Lakes district and scarcely in any: case have titles been obtained—money has been paid to the wrong owners — and; altogether there has been shewn an, utter disregard to busineps ability and even to the rules of common Bharpness on the partiof the Commissioners." Eeferring to the lakes the article adds :— "In 1866, Sir George Grey, who, with all his faults, has at least the noble instinct oi: generously bestowing his wealth—as witness, the magnificent present of a library worth many thousands of pounds to the Cape Colony—was anxious to purchase Kotoma hana, with a view of presenting it to the colony as a national sanatorium, and offered £2000 to the natives for it, but tho disputed ownership existing between the rival tribes for the land in question prevented the completion of tho purchase." If these conclusions are forced upon the friends of the Government, we are quite justl

fled in believing that the disgraceful mia management and frittering away of the vote for the purchase of a landed estate in the North Island will prove, when tested by legislative inquiry, something worse than the most bitter opponents of the Ministry at present contemplate.

A devout believer in spiritualism has for warded us a copy of " The Medium and Daybreak," with many passages carefully marked for our edification and conversion. The publication of an English weekly journal of this character—large, well-printed, and reaching to the sixth volume, ia sufficient evidence of the existence of a numerous body of spiritualists even in England ; across the Atlantic the tenets of this modern delusion are still more widely spread and seem to resist the successive shocks of ex posure which from time to time startle the faithful and amuse unbelievers. The last of these—the detection and confession of the great medium Katie King—sent poor "Robert Dale Owen, a man possessing in many re spects intellectual powers far above the average, to the lunatic asylum, his reason shattered with his faith in the phenomena which had formed the foundation of a life's dream. In Auckland, We learn, the circle of spiritualists, ig rapidly extending and in- titles among its adherents men who in the ordinary transactions of lifo are dis tinguished by a practical common sense that compels us to treat otherwise than with ridicule their string consci entious convictions ; and yet there is some thing more provocative of ridicule than argument in many of the so-called phenomena upon which we are asked to found a belief in spirit agency. Among the various dogma in the " Medium " marked by our unknown correspondent, is one occurring in a lecture delivered by Mrs OoraTappan at Manchester on the connection between spiritualism and the arta and sciences. It reads thus :—

'■ We ara asked to state what is the relation of spiritualism to the arts and sciences. When wa state that every gift and grace of the human mind must emanate from the Deity, everyone will agree with us who believes in the Deity ; and we state that all minds en dowed by genius with expresssions of power or poesy are so endowed by gift of inspira tion. We say it advisedly, Raphael, under the divine inspiration of one attendant angel, breathed his loftiest forms upon canvas ; Dante, under the beneficent dream and guidance of one heavenly though^ and aspi ration, was lifted through his divine drama into Paradise. Every gifted soul is inspired. Plato, whose thoughts stand out as a distinct form of philosophy in the world, was led to his lofty conception of im mortal life by his attendant angel."

• Mra Tappan, who is credited as a dis tinguished medium, continues this argu ment through a long list of poets, philosophers, painters, and scientific dis coverers, whom she treats as acting under an inspiration' beyond their own control. The knowledge possessed by the ancient Egyptians from the earliest historic times a cited especially as a striking illustration of the direct agency of spirits, two of whom, Memnon and Cadmus, are particularly named. " We have there," says the lecturer, " the art of learning, and mathe matical science in its pristine and perfect developement. Besides which, the Egyptians possessed arts that are now unknown, and had learning, that now baffles the skill of modern science to understand. The building o"f the Pyramids alone remains a mystery and a marvel for ever in the science of mechanical power ; and those wonderful clay images, the deities of the ancient Egyptians, are not to be imitated by any form of modern art." There is some thing so characteristic of the whole argument and foundation of spiritualism and its phenomena in this lecture that we have quoted at sufficient length to show its line of reasoning. We refer to the readiness with which a spiritual rather than a natural ex planation is sought for anything that is wonderful, or not clearly understood. The lecturer's arguments when carried to their ultimate issue are singularly destructive of her theory. If the " knowledge of arts that are now unknown" was conveyed to the Egyptians by spirits that still live and have the same power of communicating their knowledge to mankind as they possessed three thousand years ago, why is it that these arts are unknown ? Or again, if Kaphael, Shakespeare, Michael Angelo, and other great geniuses reflect but the inspirations of guardian angels, why do we not have a regular succession of Raphaels and Shakes peares developed in other mortals when the mediums that once served the guardian spirits' purpose^have passed away ? Mrs Tappan, we notice, includes Charles Dickens among her list of those who gathered their inspiration from "guardian angels." A good, though now rather old story is told of Dickens's inquiries into the reality of spiritualism. At a seance where the spirit of Lindley Murray was announced as present Dickens, inquired " are you the spirit of Lind ley Murray,",whenhe atonce received the em phatic and convincing reply, " I are." Mr Dickens'faith.thestory concludes, was shaken, but upon Mrs Tappen's theory, this singular lack of grammatical precision in Lindley in his existence as a spirit is capable of most satisfactory explanation. If Raphael in the flesh ,is, but a medium for the conceptions of a guardian angel, Kaphael in the spirit may for aught we know, hardly be equal to a ; decent job of house painting, or Michael Angelo capable of chiselling a tombstone. As opportunity offers in these dull times poli tically, we may refer to other passages; marked out for us by our unseen spiritj riend.

We note with great satisfaction the rapid improvement which is being effected in the I interproyincial steam services. , The Annie Millbank will replace the old Lady Boww on the Mahurangi trade, and the Minnie Casey eupercede the Lily, on the Kaipara. The fiae new steamer Argyle is nearly ready for the service between Auckland and Whangarei. For Katikati and Tauranga, a commodious little launch has jaat been purchased from Messrs Whitaker and Palmer, at Mahurangi to ply under Provin cial Government subsidy ; and the Opotiki settlers who have complained bitterly of neglect are to be brought into close and regular 'connection with Tauranga and Auckland by a steamer now in course .of construction intended to meet with the Eowena. With a railway penetrating Waikato and a suitable class of steamers trading to the various coastal harbours, which open up a wide territory, many of the disabilities that have strangled settlement in this province will be removed, and with them we hope there will dawa a

new era in the history of farming in Auk land. We may at least anticipate that Auckland will soon cease to be so good a customer of Canterbury for hams, bacon, dairy produce, and potatoes, and Hobart Town for fruit.

H R.H. the Prince of Wales, Grand Mas ter of the Grand Ldfige of England, has been pleased to nominate Sir Donald McDean District Grand Master of the Freemasons of the North Island of New Zealand.

There are only three' cases set down for hearing at the District Court sitting on Mon day next, viz., DeLias v. Holmes Brothers, which is to be settled by arbitration, also, causes between Isaacs v. Underhill, and Berry v. Clarkson.

The following cablegram was received to day :—P.s. Haurakihas arrived in Sydney, all well.

Arrivals at Waiwera Hot Springs, per Annie Millbank, on Tuesday February 22nd, 1876:—Mr H. W. Penny, Opotiki j Hon. S. D. Hastings, Wisconsin, U. S. A. ; David Stewart, Auckland ; A. Cookson, Thames; Rapana Maunganoa, Shortland.

The native chief Rapana, from the Thames, is on a Visit to the Waiwera Hot Springs, and enjoying the baths much. He stays in the hot water for an hour at a time, and sings out " kapai kapai." He is much pleased with the place, and says the Waiwera, or Maori Doctor is better than all the pakeha medicines. He has a little house to himself, and is as happy as a king.

A remarkable attempt to assassinate Dr Adler, the venerable and learned Chief Rabbi, is thus recorded in the Jewish World :—" Considerable commotion was caused on Friday evening last in the neigh bourhood of Duke's Place, by the dissemina tion of the report th?t the assassination of the Rev. the Chief Rabbi, Dr Adler, had been attempted by a lunatic, a Christian, in the Great Synagogue. It appears that as bhe Rev. Mr Keizer was about to commence the afternoon service, an individual whose name is at present unknown, drew a pistol from his pocket, taking aim at the Chief Rabbi. Mr Ralph Lizarus then rushed from his seat towards the madman, wrenohed the pistol from his hand, and the culprit was immediately seized. The revolver had six chambers loaded, and a considerable number of bullets were found in his pockets. On being removed in custody, he asserted that he had been ' deputed to kill all the Jews.' We learn that the offender has but recently left a lunatic asylum, and we are informed that he has been handed over to his friends."

The German Emperor's recent visit to Milan has given rise to a curious lawsuit. Many of the boxes in La Scala Theatre belong to private persons, who keep the keys. Two renters, the Duke Scotti and an advocate named Traveris cordially detest the Germans, and in order to manifest their displeasure, they resolved to absent themselves from the theatre on the night that the Emperor went there, and to keep their boxes empty ; there upon the police broke open the doors, and placed some Prussian officers in the boxes, For doing this the Duke and the lawyer have instituted legal proceedings.

It is the fashion now to pull down the idols of the past and set up new and, hitherto, comparatively unknown ones in their place ; to rehabiliate the degraded and to reverse the decisions and the decrees of history. Specu lation and criticism seek out dark spots and drag new heroes into light, while they who stand in the light of fame are scrutinized so closely that they seem but common things after all. If wo go on at this rate much further we shall not have a villain left, nor a beauty, nor a hero. Helen was an old hag, past sixty; at the beginning of the Trojan war. Judas is already on his feet. Nero is absolved from his murders. Henry VIII. has become a noble free-hearted spirit; and as for hia wives, the new verdict is, "Served them right." William Tell has vanished into the darknes of mytbs. Eugene Aram is a dramatic sentimentalist who couldn't help himself. No one but maniacs in their fits of madness are now guilty of murder. Even Byron' perfect parity has been called in question. Almost no villain is left except Cain, and let us grapple to him with hooks of steel. Let no man try to take Cain from us. What would life be worth without him? Alas ! we are getting weak in our faith.

The ordinary meeting of the Board of Education was held yesterday in the Wynd ham-atreefc offices, but no business of special importance was on the table. With respect to the memorial to the senate of the University, the notification in the Gazette touching the examination of the under graduates from the Auckland College and Grammar School was read and adopted. It was also agreed that Mr Macrae should attend the session of the University senate at Christchurch, to further the immediate object of the memorial.

The monthly inspection of No. 3 company of Auckland Jttlfle Volunteers was held last evening in the drill-shed in the presence of Major Gordon. Serjeant Kitchen, Lieut. Kelly, and Sergt.-Major Haslem, superintended the inspection of the mon. The Koyal Artillery company also, underwent their ordinary drill in a satisfactory manner, under command of Major Gordon, assisted by Captain Burns and Lieut. Payne. The annual meeting of the Diocesan Choral Association, will be held this evening in the Choral Hall, under the presidency of Bishop Cowie. The choir in attendance will sing several anthems, canticles, and carols, under the direction of Mr Brown. Among the selections of church music to be performed, are hymns from thehymnary, hymns ancient and modern, and Church hymns, such as to gratify all tastes. The admission is free. To commence at eight o'clo'ck. Uucle Dick, a Vicksburg negro fifty years old, with three marriageable daughters kick ing their heels under the dinner table, leaned over his gate last night, and remarked: "You see Mr Cosgrove, doze ar' gurls hez had forty chances to marry, but de ole man hain't no fool. Lots o' young niggars cums spoonin' around heah, wid lard on dere wool an' new paper collars on, but dey hain't got no stamps. It would only be takin' anodder bo'der. Dere's heaps ob poor trash flyin' aronnd, Mister Cosgrove, and doze gals hez got to hab a pile ob watchin' dey hez." The Board of Education yesterday granted Ponsonby £sfor school desks. Consideration; of the question of appointing an assistant teacher for City East was deferred.

The services connected with the opening of; the new Congregational Church in Beresford sfcreet will: be continued on Sunday next February 2ith. The Rev. Dr. Wallis will conduct the morning service, and the Rev. R. Laishley the evening. About £600 remain to be raised in.order that there may be no incumbrance on the new building. We have nq doubt, the offerings on this occasion will be liberal.

VOLUNTEER TOPICS.

THE PROJECTED THAMES V. AUCK-

LAND RIFLE MATCH. A meeting of the officers and men of No. 3 Company A.R.V. was held last night to take into consideration the advisability of accepting the challenge lately issued by the Thames: riflemen. A lively discuauion ensued, and at last it was agreed on the motion of Sergt. Soall that the company: join the other Auckland companies in taking up the gauntlet provided that some modifica tion can he effected in the conditions pro posed by the Thames men ; one stipulation to be introduced being that after firing a certain nnmber of shots, the two teams should exchange rifles and tire the same number of shots with their opponents pieces. As the matter stands now, there is every willingness on the part of the Auckland volunteers to bring the match off The stipulation referred to above cannot be taken exception to if there -is a desire on the part of the Thames

men to have the contest carried out on strictly fair terms. They cannot forget that what our men are complaining oi is being expected to make as good shooting with the short Snider as other Volunteers with the long. The Thames Volunteers have been furnished with the long Sniders, and so by firing first with one and then with the other no advantage on the score of superior weapons would be with either party, lhe other conditions are slightly in favour of the Thames men, but if the exchange of rifles is agreed to our men will not be disposed to carp at trifles. . A challenge has been issued by Captain Derrom, of the Victorias, to No. 3 Company, for an efficiency trial between the two com panies at squad company and battalion drill, and also for a contest at the targets m squads. It is probable that the challenge will be accepted-

TELEGRAPHIC

GRAHAMSTOWN.

(From, our own Correspondent.) This day.

The Goiden Arrow, Tairtia, cashing yielded a satisfactory return of SBoz Sdwts. from 35 tons. The crushing is stopped, the carters being unable to bring the stuff to the mill. , The Kuranui tribute, James and party, has 320nz. ldwt. melted from 236 tons. The Moa tribute, from 12 trucks, has 12ozs. 7dwts. melted. It is rumoured that there is a probability of Wynyard's capture. To-day a party of natives had gone to fetch him. It is alleged that the capture is certain.

COROMANDEL.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

The usual weekly mining reports of man agers contain nothing worth mentionining in detail. The Union Beach still continues to excite much interest. The Kapanga will be dry and ready for work in a week. The Black reef continues showing good quartz and there is a little speculation in shares.

WHANGAREI.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

A daughter and son of the chief Taurau died on Wednesday morning. Much sym pathy is felt forTaurua, who is greatly liked, and who is an old warrior associated with the wars of Heke. The Maoris are gathering in great numbers to attend a feast. The Comet in speaking of the new coal dis covery at Kauio, has groat confidence in the superiority, and the settlers generally are much elated at the find. Tho Wbau Whau will be in full working order next week.

HASTINGS.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

Bullion Crushing.

The Half Moon level in the Bullion mine is Jdaily improving, and is looking np for eight ounces. Tho permanent crushing com mences on Monday. Buckland's Great Extended are crushing satisfactorily.

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent). This day.

The Colonial Journal- As was v hispered once before it is whis pered now that great changes will shortly be made in the Netu Zealand Times. The an nual meeting of shareholders is to be held in a few days. It is expected a very heavy loss will be declared, but it is not likely that much change will be made in existing ar rangements, unless perhnps in the general management. The Argun continues to be well patronised, and bids fair to be success fully established as a rival of the Post. The politics of the paper are a matter for sur prise to a great many. It out-Herods Herod in its crawling, fawning sycophancy to Vo gel, whom it worships as blindly as the fire worshipper does the sun-god. People wonder how this comes to pass, especially when E. T. Gillon is part proprietor and reputed editor. It is well known that for years back he waß one of the most thorough going and unscrupulous detractors of Vogel that was on the press of the colony. Gillon's friends regret this greatly, but his political, gleeful enemies rejoice, threat, and rub their hands, saying he is only purging himself of past sins. Works and Immigrants. _ The new swimming baths bid fair to be come an exceedingly profitable speculation. The Thorndon reclamation progresses very slowly. Some of the Italians by the Shakespeare still remain unemployed at the Immigration Depot. The new Government Buildings are well advanced, and look an enormouß pile. The levels In connoctioa with the street tramway scheme were finished very rapidly. City and Harbour Affairs. There is a good deal of growling anent the present wharf management. It is said the merchants have the best of it, as against the ratepayers. Our new mayor seems to be not very cor dial in his feeling towards the police ; other wise he comports himself very well, and is very energetic in his duties. It is stated that the Argus is going to be moved into new premises alongside the Even ing Post office, which is considered tho best stand in the city for a newspaper office. Fatal Accident- A man was killed at Mungaroa tunnel yes terday.

WELLINGTON.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) This day. The Ship Howrah. The ship Howrah has sailed for London. The total value of the cargo is £80,595. Hawea's Passengers. ' Sailed, Hawea for Nelson and the North. Passengers: Mrs Collins, Mrs Dorratt, Capt. and Mrs Fergusson, child and servant, Rev. C. Andrew, Messrs. Innes, F. Moorhouse,' Finlay, Cross, Green. ..','.. " ■', '

BLUFF.

(Prom our own Correspondent.) This day.

Passengers per Albion: , j The s.s. Albion brings the following pas-: sengers for the North -.—Saloon—Mr and Mrs; Masters,'three Miss Featherstones and ser-; vant, and four steerage. :

DUNEDIN.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) : . : < : ~ This day. j Sharemarket. ' Bank New Zealand (new issue), buyers, £1 Bs, sellers, £1 10s; National Insurance,; buyers £1 ,4s 6d, sellers £1 5s ; South British, buyers £2 143 j Standard Insurance, sellers lie 6d. .'...-..„■ ■;,., . ~■ . , \ Good samples of wheat are' scarce at1 ss,' middling quality 4s 3d to 4s 6d ; oats are no better, and quoted at' 2s for best,'milling ; Is lOd for feed. .. !;•',; h^/^nVv/ ; The sale of the Guardian and Southern Mercury to-morrow is causing great interest. There will be several bidders. , : , ~;,n n Messrs Steel and Keogh have obtained a lease of tha Queen's Theatre for a year from April at £865. , Tho firemen and seamen have agreed that wages be £7 for seamen in sailing-vessels, £8 in rteamers, firemen £12, and trimmers £8 per month.

PORT CHALMERS.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

Shipping. Sailed—Schooner Transit, for Auckland,

this afternoon.-The ship Ca^ o,^ £ London with a cargo valued at £Hj,lWi » eluding nearly 400 ozs gold.

NAPIER.

(From our own Correspondent.) v This day. The Luna Sold to the Purchasers of the Golden Crown. Sii Donald McLean is still at his station. The Luna left yesterday for Wellington The vessel to take her place is expected out in three months, when the Luna goes to Melbourne to be sold to the same people that purchased the Golden Crown. Accidents. A man yesterday gob thrown from hisi horse at Waipukurau. He got a terrible fall, and died the following morning from injuries received. ~ , i „*. ;„ A man is missing, supposed to be lost in the bush at Mr Gollan's station.

The Colonial Rifle, Firing at Wanganui.

WANGANUI

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) * Thursday.

The first Carbine match commenced at 2pm., tfee leather being fine, with a fresh breeze blowing. The firing was from right SuS theTstance being 400 and SOO yards ; seven shots at each. The range prizes (£1 each) were won: At 400 yards, by Mason of Wellington, with a score^ of 26pointo , and at 500 yards by McCredie, of Welling ton, with a score of 23 points. First pritfe, £7-Bannißter, Wellington, Second prize, £5-Bell, Auckland, 44. Third prize, £4-McCredie, Wellington, Fourth prize, £3-Mason, Wellington 43 The second Carbine Match, 10 shots at 200 yards, was then taken, with the following r6BU.lt '■—■* First prize, £6—Bell, Auckland, 28 ; second prize, £4-Pat 3 n, Christchureh, 28 ; Third prize, £3 -Trooper Barriball, Waiuku, 28 Fourth prize, £2-Crowther, A.C., 28. _ In firing off ties, Bell took first place with a bull's-eye, and Crowther fourth with an outer, Paton and Barriball with centres each. Kingswell, of Invercargill, also made 28, but miaaed in firing off the ties. Paton and Barriball then fired for second and third places, and again tied for three successive times.' Paton made a bull's-eye and Barri ball a centre.

To-day's Firing.

The third carbine match was fired before breakfast. Bell (Auckland), first prize £0 ... ... 2'J Bannister (Wellington), second prize £4 26 Fox (Cbristchurch), third prize £3 ... 2G Stevens (Wellington), fourth prize £2 ... 26 Weather very fine. Barometer rising.

Morrow Winner of the First Infantry Match.

(From our own Correspondent.)

THIRD MATCH (CARBINE)

This was the first match fired this morning, and the result is that Auckland again takes first prize, Bell making a capital score of 29 points. The range was 300 yards, ten shots. There was no range prize in the match. Bell of Auckland is at present leading for the Cavalry Belt, with Bannister of Wellington close up. Fox of Ohristchurch who last year fired with the Infantry and carried off several prizes, is well up in the aggregate, and will, no doubt, be in a better position in the next two matches. He is a dangerous man. The fourth Cavalry match will be fired to morrow morning. FIRST INFANTRY MATCH. This commenced this morning,|immediately after breakfast. The ranges are 400, 500 and 500 yards, seven shots at each range. There are only 45 competitors against 73 last year :— •RANGE PRIZES. Highest score at 400 yds. £2 „ „ 500 yds 2 600 yds 2 The wind was blowing fresh down the range. At the first two ranges 400 and 500 yards there was some excellent shoot ing, Morrow and Mellsopp of Auckland making a capital score of 48 and 47 respect ively, out of a possible 56. Morrow is shoot ing very steady, and is certain to take one of the prizes in this match. Willcocks of Obago scored one more point than Morrow, and at present heads the list with 49 points. The scores now stand as follows :— Willcocks (Dunedin) 49 Armstrong (Thames) 48 Morrow (Auckland) 48 Mann (Otago) 48 Mellsopp (Waiuku) 47 King (Uamaru) 47 Scott (Wellington) 46 THE LATEST. 12.15 p.m. Morrow pulled up at the 600 yard range, placing himself at tho top in the aggregate scores of the match. The shooting at the long range was poor owing to a very baffling wind. The scores at 600 yards were :— Morrow (Auckland) 17 Mellsop (Waiuku) 17 Mann (Otago) 15 Willcocks (Otago) ... 14 Wilson, Anderson, and Capsteer, all of Otago, scored well at this range, and made places in the aggregates. Wilson is only three points behind Morrow. His position as third scorer in the aggregates for the Belt last year renders his chance very good.

FIRST RIFLE MATCH.

(rer Press Telegram Agency)

Thiß match began at half past nine. At 12 o'clock the firing at 400 and 500 yds was completed, the highest being : — Wilcocks (Otago)... ... 49 Armstrong (Thames) ... ... ... 48 Mann (Ofcago) ... ... ... ... 48 Morrow (Auckland) ... : .... ... 48 Mellsop (Waiuku) . ... *7 King (Oamaru) ........ ... ; ... 47 Scott (Wellington) ;... ... ... 46 .v.: .■ ■) 5 r,, ■-,-:. , .-:■ p <12.25 p.m. : ' The match is just completed. Morrow (Auckland) Ist prize, £10 ... 65 Mellsop (Waiuku), 2nd prize/ £9 .... 64 Mann (Otago), 3rd prize, £8 63 Wilcocks (Otago)'4fchprize, £7 ... ; ... 63 Doige (Nelson) sth prize, £6 ).J ... 62 Wilson (Otago) 6th prize, £4 62 Anderson (Otago) 7th prize, £3 61 Capstick (Otago), Bth prize, £2... ; ... 61 At the 600 yards the wind was very baffling, and the shooting indifferent.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.— THIS DAY.

(Before E. C. Barstow, Esqi, R.M.) JTTDGMBNT FOR PLAINTIFFS. Holland and. Butler v..,fm. Nightingale jun. Claim, £2 4s 3d. (Mr J.. B, Russell for plaintiff). Costs, £1 6s 6d. Wm. Eas doWnVi Edward J. Upton' 01 aim, £3 7s Id, bread. (Mr Dufaur for plaintiff). Costs, £1 6a 6d. A. Dornwell v. Henry:Elliott. Claim £17 Ss lid, butcher's meat. (Mr Thorne for plaintiff) Costs, £2 7s. Hewin and Brother v. W. H. Quinlan. Claim, £6 3s 9d, goods. (Mr Thorne for plaintiff). Costs, £2 Is. Garrett Bros. v. Edw. Laird. Claim, £4 lla 6d, family Bhoes. (Mr J. B. Eussell for plain tiff). DALTON" BROTHERS V. JOHN BUCHANAN. Claim, £46 6a lOd. The particulars of this case were heard last Court day. His Worship, having considered the evidence, gave judgment for defendant with costs £6 11s.

O. W. BIWHEY V. JOSEPH BEAT). Claim, £7 9s 63. Mr J. B. Bussell for plaintiff. A judgment summons had previously been obtained againßt defendant, who now an. peared to shew cause why he should netbs committed to prison. c Defendant said he was only earning 15 S „, fM week. : * ***' .-'■■: jii|j Mr Russell said that as Mr Read lived M Puriri, it must have cost him about £5 t ft .■ ||| appear, which would have gone a great w»y | towards payiDg the debt. Mr Read was then sworn, and said he ■wag p a settler on seventy acres of land, but he had. 5 riomeans of cultivating more than two chains; 1 he was also a mail contractor, at a salary o j p 15s a week. He also had a few cows uncl^ him, which were mortgaged to William TE<J. I mas ; there were in all 49 head of cattle, bnfc' they roamed the wilderness ; his calves con. sumed the milk ;he did send a little butter 1 to the Thames, not a great deal; perhaps I dozen a week. He owed Mr Thomas nearly £200, and the cattle were not his as they were mortgaged ; he got 1b a pound for lug butter, but that went for a grocer's debt; h e | also kept pigs, not absolutely his of course. 1 Mr Thornsa held a bill of sale over every. f thing he had got, Jpigs, cows, and horses. After he had redeemed the bill of sale, h e would pay Mr Binney for the potatoes. He I had the potatoes of Mr Binney on the under. | standing that Mr Binney was to be paid but ; I of the crop, but unfortunately the crop wag a total failure. ■ Mr Russell said that the potatoes were nol* Mr Binney'fl. He sold them on commission nearly two years ago to defendant, and had he got his money his commission would only 1 have been 7a. tJ He would ask the Court that an order might be made to compel defendant to pay the debt by reasonable instalments. j His Worship thought defendant ought to be ashamed of himself for not making an effort to reduce the debt, he should order him to pay 30s ever^ four weeks, or in neglocting to comply with the order to?ba committed for 30 days. ;.:, GEAVE3 AICKTtN V, C. OTTNDASS. Mr J. B. TRasseil for plaintiff. o Claim, £3 93. v H'S'"' This was a claim for medicine, which defen. dant foiled to meet in consequence, asta stated, of bad Inck. • Mr Aioken offered to accept 7s 6d weekly. \ Defendant preferred paying it in alumpon the completion of a contract. _ ~ O^ered to pay 6s a week. Usts, £3 6a j (including judgment summons). TRUSTEES OF GEO. HKBLOP V, KOBBBT^, • MITCHELL, v? , Claim, £1 15a. Mr Kissling for plaintiff. Judgment for plaintiff. Costs, £1 6s 6d". H. J. POSSENESKIE V. JOHF WIHeHCOLMB*! Claim £7 15. ; ; ; Mr Hughes for plaintiff, Mr Kisshngfor defendant. i'fi» Mr Hughes stated that defendant ordered*;( .:■, suit of clothes -which were made to order, aod : which defendant, without trying [themi on, refused to accept, saying that he did not want them. It was monstrous for a respec- j table tailor to be treated in this way. The defendant resided at the Thames, and the things were sent by the steamer. •' Henry Posseneßkie, deposed to the facts of ' the claim, he received the order, measured the man, made the clothes, addressed them on the following Monday to defendant at the Grahamstown brewery, defendant sent' the suit back, he also received a telegram statl% that the suit was a misfit. To Mr. Kissling: He guaranteed the clothes to fit, addressed them to the Phoenix Brewery. • , - Mr. Kissling said that as the transaction was entirely at the Thames, and the case did not come within the jurisdiction of the «E court, he would ask for an adjournment'to take the evidence to defendant who declared that it was "an execrable fit." ii v ■ Mr. Posseneskie said this was doing him an injustice as a tradesman, he should'like . ' to have an opinion of a better judge '/than v defendant. . It was finally agreed that the clothes should be brought into court, and, Jf necessary, defendant should appear in them, sthnding on the ■ table. ■ ■ -j ■■'■'.

ADJOURNMENTS. ;?. Nichols v Hall, claim £10 6s 9d, set off £9 10s; J. G. Wilson v J. G. Becker claim £43 14s 3d. ' ''-■

CHANGE OF COURT DAY.

His Worship said that gentlemen had sug gested to him the propriety of changing the sitting of the Resident Magistrate's court from Friday to Thursday, as Friday was market day and many gentlemen for other reasons thought such a change desirable. _ After some discussion on the subject in which Mr Rees, Mr Russell, and other gentlemen took part, it was resolved that the court should be on Thursday the 6fch of April, and on suc cessive Thursdays in each week. Mr Rees said the gentlemen of the profession would be further obliged if the court could be removed to the city. !'. His Worship said he had had , Betffl interviews with the Colonial Secretary about the High-street Weßleyan Chapel for that pnrpose, and he hoped ultimately their wishes m ould be realised. This was all the business.

THE CITY AUDITORSHIP.

(To the Editor of the Star.) / ' Sir, —Your issue of yesterday contained a curious effusion over the signature of one G. Staines, in which reference is made to myself as one of the candidatea for the office of City Auditor. Assuming the writer ! to be the same unhappy individual whose inter ference in public matters has resulted, in his perpetually coming to grief, I crave space for a word or two. It is insinuated in that letter that I am the nominee of aloj called clique in the Council, and that, if returned, I am to act in the interests of the contractor for the Waterworks. Now had such a suggestion emanated from anyone of respectability or standing in the community, I might have been at some pains to shew its groundless nature. But considering the authorship this is not necessary, beyond merely stating that, as a matter of fact, neither member "of the firm of Messrs. T. and S. Morrin nominated me as a candidate simply for the reason that I had already .ob tained the names of three proposers, requi site under the Act. I must cordially thank the writer for the implied hostility _to my candidature because the very fact of his oppo sition should operate in my favour. And as Messrs. Waymouth and Frazer are gentle men with whom I have the friendliest re« lations; and whom I respect, I mußt express regret that they should have been subjected to the humiliation of having the obtrusive advocacy of a person whose known adherence to any cause is likely to . ensure inevitable disaster.—l am, etc., T. Leigh White.

To the Editor of the,EvßNiire Stak.!',;,;( Sir,-I am thankful to Mr Staines for hta letter in yesterday's. Stab, arid, if you "J" permit me', I will furnish the information ne asks. The importance to the ratepayers 01 the auditors'; duties is this : That there*no other check provided by the. Act on illegal expenditure by the Council than the po^F opinion elicited1 by the protest of the audiw» against such-expenditure. For, at the annual meeting of the Council, the Council can pass the accounts notwithstanding P 0"10/!* Jl them may be disallowed by the a^T The ratepayers can attend the annual meet ing, but they have no right to speak nor to take part in 'the proceedings. If «&«. »v , tors do not; exercise their power oij, , £ allowance the financial actions.olthe ou"_.. L might run riot. M • PraJJ^.W^rW^" self hajp>-- boll.. 'wt m- -• .au.ytJ^T'1 ()f

THE EVENINO STAB, EBIBAY, ffJBBfttTABY %5 W



rpHE ILLUSTRATED NEW X ZEALAND HERALD, established 1808 pub lished monthly for transmission by the ffnglish Mall, , contains Eneravincs of a high class, illustrative of Colonial "Events, Portraits, Pcenery, #c, specially selected for tranmission to home friends., Price Is.. Annual Subscription, 7s 6d (in aVly»Dce); .posted, 8< Cd. Dtmedin :B. T. Whaklbr. Proprietor and Pub lisher—N.B.: Artists are now: engaged in taking sketches of Atick'a^ scenery— WaUetmta Harbour Bot L«be Country, etc.'— Q. T. Chapman, Agent for the Province. ' . , • THE JUNCTION DRA.PEBY /-WAEBHOUSB . for Q.OOD "yALUB FOR J^ONEY. j Drapery, Clothing, Haberdashery,, Hosiery, Hats and Caps, Furnishing Goods, etc., etc. B*P* Speoia.li Lines in Clothing, &c.; Ptjkohased at atjotion bet-ow value, and be Sold Vebt Cheap. : " \ ALiRGE AND COMPLETE STOCK IN EVERY DEPARTMENT. INSPECTION INVITED. fB~ 5 % Discount allowed to Oasit Purchasers on all Gooflß amounting to twenty shillings and upwards. ■ ■ Orders "promptly executed, well selected, and securely packed. ' , ■ ,' ■ j fi'.USH BROOK & BE IDG MAN, [Late It. Hobbhl, VNOTIO'N DRAPERY WARHEOUSE\ Opposite the Army'and NavyHotol, Upper Queev-strkkt, AtTOKT,ANT). ! AIKATO STEAM NAVIGA^ TION AND COAL MINING COMPANY (LIMITED). WAIKATO COAL. The Company supply the above Coal, screened, and Of superior quality, at following rates :— Tdk,»n from truck at any railway station, • not less than 5 tons, at 20a per ton. Delivered in town and suburbs at.. .. 25a per ten. sfo Orders left at office Fort -streetwill be prompt y k: attended to. ?s>j W . Terms: Cash on receipt of order. ■""■"':"'" «* m . , FKAWZ SCHERFF,'«" m\ gecretary.B ■': PebrnaTy 24,1870. t^Z^Z.



k NNUAL CLEARING-OUT SALE OF SUEPLTJS DEESS MATERIALS, DRAPERY [AND CLOTHING. H. ATKINS HAS COMMENCED HIS ANNUAL SALE OF PLAIN AND FANCY DRESS MATERIALS, BLACK AMD COLORED SILKS, CAPES, JACKETS, FISCHUS, ETC., ETC. The Prices of all the above have been Greatly Reduced. 26 to 40 PER CENT. REDUCTION has been made on some thousands of yards of Dress Materials. They are being sold without regard to Coßt, to effect a clearance. Owing to the inclemency of the weather during the : Spring and Bummer Season, there is a large surplus of excellent patterns in dress materials to select from. During this Cheap Clearing Sale of Summer Dress Materials — Manchester Goods, Sheetings, Quilts, Blankets, LoDg Curtains, Table Linen, Calicoes, Clothing, and Fancy Goods, willfbe sold at i ' Unusually Low, Prices. H, ATKINS. "XT 0 T I C B. I hereby caution the public against negotiating a Cheque drawn bj Teesdale in favour of W. Bead, for £35, on the Bank of New South Wales, the fume having been lost by me. Payment of cheque has been stopped. • Wlf, REID. G KA OR OFFER, for a good pay- ing business in the Wood, Coal and Produce line ; Borne and express clear trade expense. For particulars apply to ABhton ana Sons, Agents, Insurance Buildings ■ rpo BAKERS.—Wanted to Let, the J. Oldest Established Bakery in the province, now in the occupation of Mr Peters. — Apply to P. • Robertson. FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEWYEAR, J. M. McLACHLAN IS SHEWING IN DRESSES. ; CLOTHING. " New Silks . New Silk Dust Coats . „ Muslins „ Trousers and. Vests „ Prints - „ Suits „ Costumes, &o. „ Shirts ~ Hata, &c. MILLINERY. FURNISHING. New Hats New Oil Cloths r „ Flowers ~ Matting „ Gossamers „ Carpets „ Feathers „ Hearth Rugs „ Bonnets, &c. „ Curtains, &o. 218, QTJEBN-STRBET, Nour WfilloHley-Rtreet. , .



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